State of ‘overgrown’ and ‘littered’ Plumstead Cemetery slammed

Lisa Corbert and her sister Sam made the 30-minute drive from Upminster to the grave of their late father John just over two weeks ago, since last visiting in December 2022.

However, when they arrived, the sisters were shocked to find that the normally “tidy” and “well-maintained” cemetery had become littered with rubbish and overgrown grass.

Lisa explained: “We walked in and we just nearly burst out crying. 

“There was a pile of rubbish just inside the gate and just so much litter.

“The grass has just been left, it is way above the headstones.

Plumstead Cemetery (Image: Lisa Corbett)

“So you're stumbling around and you're not knowing what's beneath your feet. But you can't see anything.”

Lisa also added that the family had recently paid to have their father’s plot extended in order to carry out the final wishes of their late mother, Eileen, who wished to be buried next to John, who passed away in 1968.

Lisa said: “It’s just really upsetting and if I’m honest it makes me not want to lay my mum to rest there, even though it was her final wish to be with my dad.”

She added that her father’s grave, situated near one of the entrances, was easier to access, but that she had concerns for other residents who may need to travel further into the cemetery to visit the grave of a loved one.

Lisa said: “Because of the high height of the grass, we actually tripped while we were walking and our dad’s grave isn’t that far away from the entrance.

“So it’s a concern for me in terms of injuring ourselves.

Plumstead Cemetery (Image: Lisa Corbett)

“But it's just the lack of respect really that the place has just been left.”

In a statement, Greenwich Council apologised and advised visitors that it was working to rectify the situation.

A spokesperson for Greenwich Council said: “I would like to offer our sincere apologies to you for the upset caused when you visited Plumstead Cemetery.

“We do understand how important the maintenance of our cemeteries is to ensuring visitors feel their loved ones get the respect they deserve.

“The grounds maintenance team have been sent to complete the grass cutting in Plumstead Cemetery as soon as possible.

“The team have also cleared the rubbish at the top entrance gate. Staff have been asked to report any further fly-tips and ensure they’re dealt with promptly.

“At Plumstead Cemetery we have dedicated conservation areas, established for over 10 years, to increase biodiversity and encourage wildlife.

“These sections are cut once a year.”