'Uneven pathways at Leighton Buzzard cemetery unsafe for elderly and disabled'

Terry and Elaine Rutland told the LBO that sections of paths are "uneven" and "full of holes", making them tricky to navigate if using a wheelchair or walking frame.

They claim that they contacted the town council about the issue several years ago – and that not enough has been done.

The town council says that footpaths throughout the cemetery are “subject to ongoing maintenance” with repairs “undertaken on a need basis”.

But Terry, aged 66, of Waterdell, said: "Elaine's wheelchair shakes all over the place. I keep saying to her, 'stay in the middle'

"There was an incident in 2020 – her scooter tipped over and she had to lie on the floor for an hour until the ambulance service arrived.

"I sent photos and evidence to the council but never received anything back. I had been ringing the council about this since the incident. They say they will call back, but no-one does."

Terry also claimed that when hearses travel there, the underside of the exhaust scrapes on the tarmac. He also said that some potholes filled in but are beginning to crack again.

He told the LBO that vehicles were driving across the grass used on the pathways' central islands – and he was fed up that the main entrance was blocked off, with the alternative Vandyke Road entrance smaller.

He claimed: "The town council say they have got no money, but they keep putting the council tax up. I don't know why it's got a Green Flag award?"

A Leighton-Linslade Town Council spokesman, said: "Vandyke Road Cemetery has this year retained its Green Flag as well as attaining Heritage status for which Leighton-Linslade Town Council is extremely proud.

"The awards recognise the cemetery as being an inviting space which, through its visual appearance, standards of maintenance and ease of access, makes the public feel that they are entering a cared-for place. The Lychgate is presently undergoing a comprehensive schedule of repair."

The town council hopes that the work will be completed by late September – at which point, public access will be restored.

It is hoped that once complete, the project will be entered into the National Civic Trust Award, which recognises excellence in building conservation.

The spokesman added: "The footpaths throughout the cemetery are subject to ongoing maintenance with repairs undertaken on a need basis.

"To maintain its status as a Green Flag-awarded space, a team of four grounds staff dedicate their time to this cemetery as well as Old Linslade.

"The dedicated grounds team welcome feedback, and the resident is kindly requested to point out any concerns on their next visit to the cemetery. Where practicable, they will be addressed."

The town council says it has committed to resurfacing the cemetery car park with work beginning no later than mid-September.