Offenders to clean up Lower Darwen graveyard (From Blackburn Citizen)

Offenders to clean up Lower Darwen graveyard

3:00pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in Darwen

A GRAVEYARD left in a “shameful” state is to be cleaned up by a team of young offenders and residents.

The Lancashire Telegraph reported in November how the cemetery at St James’s Church in Stopes Brow, Lower Darwen, was overgrown with headstones lying on the ground. Community leaders slammed the council for allowing the graveyard, where 21 war heroes are buried, to get into such a state.

Trevor Hannon, of Child Action North West, said he had spoken with members of the church and arranged to bring young offenders along to help out.

He said: “We have been going up to do all the paths and cleaning up and tidying the graveyard but it won’t be a quick job.”

An event involving the community will take place on March 23 from 10am to noon. Chairman of the Friends of St James’s Churchyard, Alan Reid, is delighted.

He said: “It has become an eyesore and is in danger of being forgotten about. I am chuffed to bits that the young offenders are helping us out. It is good to get them involved.”

Ruth Bell, who helps at the church, encouraged volunteers to join in. She said: “We would encourage anyone interested to come along and become involved with the group.

“We would particularly welcome anyone with keen gardening skills and anyone with heavy lifting gear.

“Cups of tea and coffee will be provided.”