Sir, It is with disbelief and disgust that I am writing this letter of complaint. On visiting Tenby last month, I went to tend my mother's grave and was advised to wear trousers/strong shoes due to the state of what now appears to be a derelict cemetery. I was shocked to hear that there have been sightings of adders where the grass has grown so long. On entering the old cemetery I could not believe my eyes, where were the graves? Only a small path had been cut around the perimeter, the graves themselves were covered with brambles and the grass was shoulder high. At first I could not find my mother or the rest of my family's graves and was getting very distressed. On ploughing my way through the grass I eventually found them and, seeing the state of the brambles that covered the graves, I was reduced to tears. I attempted to uncover my mother's grave, but it became an impossible task for me to try and clear and it dawned on me that this was surely a health and safety issue, not only for me, but for others who can no longer tend their loved ones graves. My family who live in Tenby informed me that only the new part of the cemetery at the top is maintained, but what reason could there possibly be to abandon the old lower part? Would the grave of 'the unknown sailor' be able to be located? I doubt it! I have made enquiries as to who is responsible for the maintenance of the cemetery, but unfortunately neither the church nor the council will take responsibility for this negligence. So before I take this matter further I would like clarification on who is directly responsible for the upkeep of the lower graves. With all the unemployment in Tenby, surely this would be an ideal opportunity for someone to volunteer/employ or better still a job for those who are contributing to community service. The cemetery is a place of remembrance and should therefore be respected through simple maintenance that would be manageable if it hadn't been neglected for so long in the first place.

Mrs. C. A. Sinclair,

Eltham, London.