A CEMETERY is so badly neglected and overgrown that it is a struggle to visit some of its graves, it is claimed.

The Johnstons of Walthamstow say they were left deeply upset when they went to their family plot at Queens Road Cemetery to discover they could not even see the tombstones of some relatives because of thick clumps of weeds.

Cheryl Johnston, 45, has spent the last three decades visiting the site to pay respects to her sister Joanne, who died aged five due to heart problems.

She said: “It's never been that well maintained but it's just getting ridiculous now. I went with my disabled mother this week and it was a nightmare trying to make our way through the weeds.

“When I got to my sister's grave I couldn't even see it. The weeds were up to my elbows. It was very difficult to access and so upsetting.”

The 11 acre cemetery, which is maintained by Waltham Forest Council, is officially full although new burials can technically still be held on some selected family plots.

Mrs Johnston, of nearby Arkley Road, added: “The area around the front entrance of the cemetery is well maintained and looks good, but the back of the cemetery is terrible.

"So if you just went past you wouldn't necessarily know there was a problem – it seems like that could be deliberate.

“My dad and nan are also buried there and we just want to be able to pay our respects and remember them - but the surroundings make it seem like they're the forgotten dead.”

A council spokesman said: "Both the front and back of the area receive the same level of weed treatment, but this year we have had particular problems in the rear plots."

Cabinet member for leisure, arts and culture, Cllr Geraldine Reardon, added: “I’d like to apologise to residents for any distress or inconvenience – a member of staff is currently at work clearing the site and will be joined by additional workers next week.”

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