Volunteers who 'rolled up sleeves' to tidy Yorkshire cemetery praised following challenges
The efforts of volunteers who stepped in to keep a York cemetery tidy have been praised.
People have regularly been weeding, edging, planting, clearing leaves and maintaining benches at Fulford Cemetery since City of York Council temporarily took over its management a year ago.
Coun Katie Lomas, the council’s Labour finance spokesperson, said she appreciated the work which had really improved the much-visited site for the loved ones of those buried there.
It comes as the future management on the cemetery is set to be decided on Tuesday, July 7 after proposals were discussed on Monday, June 22.
One of the proposals would see the council permanently take over the management of the Fordlands Road site from Fulford Parish Council.
Council reports on the proposals stated its temporary takeover of the site last July had already seen the cemetery’s finances, maintenance and standards improved.
But it added finances remained a challenge after the site incurred losses totalling £102,451 in 2023/4 and 2024/5 as people look to cut the costs of funerals.
The state of the cemetery which had become overgrown in the run up to August last year provoked negative social media comments, resulting in volunteers stepping in.
Council reports stated budget constraints meant it had not been maintained to the standards expected by the public.
The cemetery made a profit of £30,733.36 in 2025/6 following the changes and after a rise in the amount of burials there.
Volunteers organised by the York and Fulford Parish councils have since been visiting the cemetery on the second Monday of every month from 10am to 1pm to maintain it.
Staff from the Stay City hotel, residents and people with connections to the cemetery are among those who have volunteered.
Coun Lomas said anyone with spare time was welcome to join in the work.
She said: “So many volunteers have kindly rolled up their sleeves and given time to support the cemetery, which is really appreciated.
“Their work has really improved this much-visited site, and helped make it a welcoming and comforting space for those with loved ones buried there, I’m grateful to them.”