A woman has claimed she faced a “dangerous challenge” while laying flowers at members of her family’s grave due to the height of the grass.

Debbie Thornton visited her nan and grandad’s grave on Saturday (June 15) at Keston Parish Church, where she said the grass was “so thick and high” that you “couldn't see where you’re going.”

She told the News Shopper: “There are waste food boxes and drink bottles thrown over the fence onto the graves. It’s a complete mess and eyesore.

“These family plots were bought and paid for years ago in good faith to be cared for by the church, but the area has been forgotten and left.”

(Image: Debbie Thornton)

Rector of the church, Belinda Beckhelling, said the church “fully understands” the responsibility and privilege it has in caring for the churchyard and those resting in it.

However, due to recent illness, regular maintenance of the churchyard has been “disrupted.”

Belinda explained: “We are equally mindful of the natural environment and the beautiful biodiversity within it, which can sometimes mean areas are left unattended for periods.

“On this occasion, however, our regular maintenance routine has been disrupted due to illness. Mowing has begun again, and people should see an improvement very soon.”

During her visit to her grandparents' grave, Debbie said she spent half an hour cutting the weeds around her family grave to “make it look cared for.”

“Someone is going to really hurt themselves,” Debbie added.

She said: “I am not giving up, although it’s tricky – if you took an elderly resident over there it would be dangerous.

“If you walk straight in, towards the church, it looks lovely, and if you look further out it’s clear, but if you venture to pay your respects, you’re in trouble.

“Respect for our dead is so important.

"This is not a one-off that it looks this bad.

"It seems this corner is always left unattended.”

Rector Beckhelling added: “I and the PCC are very sorry that there has been some concern over the grass in the churchyard.

“Mowing has begun again, and people should see an improvement very soon.

"We would like to reassure those with loved ones in the churchyard, and the wider community, that we will continue to work on how we care for this special sacred space and are always grateful to those who help us do this, whether that is by tending the churchyard itself, or by letting us know when something needs addressing.”