Protection area call for blighted cemetery

High profile incidents in the Dean and Manor Road cemeteries have included a 2009 vandal attack on the First World War cross of sacrifice in Dean Road cemetery, which had just been given a facelift by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Also last year one nearby resident complained that vandals who blighted the cemetery had thrown a chunk of gravestone through her window.

Many of the tombstones have been overturned by vandals or have been placed on their side by council workers for reasons of health and safety. The graveyards also attract gatherings of youths, attracted by the eerie atmosphere.

Dozens of plots, many of which date from the 1800s and early 20th century, are in disrepair, and many have been left broken and abandoned.

But now a formal request has been received by Scarborough Council from the Friends of Dean Road and Manor Road Cemetery that the land be designated as a conservation area.

Scarborough's head of regeneration and planning Pauline Elliott said: "The Friends feel that because of the importance of this historical site with its unique and diverse features, the cemetery is worthy of designation as a Conservation Area,"

Councillors will be urged to back the idea subject to public consultations at a Cabinet meeting tomorrow.

Depending on funding, the enhanced status would clear the way for a conservation and restoration management plan to restore and conserve the area, including protecting the memorials and the historic layout.