Military hero's grave ruined by excessive weedkiller use at Northamptonshire cemetery

Wellingborough Council has apologised after a number of graves, including one of a war hero killed in Iraq, were left a mess after being sprayed with too much weedkiller.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th May 2016, 14:09 BST
Updated 11th May 2016, 15:12 BST
The council has apologised for the distress caused by the state of some graves - and could help to set up a new Friends of Doddington Road Cemetery GroupThe council has apologised for the distress caused by the state of some graves - and could help to set up a new Friends of Doddington Road Cemetery Group
The council has apologised for the distress caused by the state of some graves - and could help to set up a new Friends of Doddington Road Cemetery Group

Last month the council said it was investigating after turf and flowers were accidentally killed off at the Doddington Road Cemetery.

One grave affected is that of military hero Warrant Officer Lee Hopkins, who was killed in Iraq a decade ago.

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His aunt Deborah Lewis tends his grave, and she says she was fuming when she saw the state of it.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Lee Hopkins died in Iraq in November 2006Warrant Officer Class 2 Lee Hopkins died in Iraq in November 2006
Warrant Officer Class 2 Lee Hopkins died in Iraq in November 2006

She said: “When I saw the state of the grave I was devastated.

“It’s just an absolute mess. It’s just mud.

“I’ve been complaining to Wellingborough Council about it but they’re just going around spraying everything.

“I understand the MOD even pays for the upkeep of the grave.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Lee Hopkins died in Iraq in November 2006Warrant Officer Class 2 Lee Hopkins died in Iraq in November 2006
Warrant Officer Class 2 Lee Hopkins died in Iraq in November 2006

“I am absolutely fuming about it.

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“I had a word with the groundsman about it but nothing’s been done.”

Work at the cemetery is carried out by Wellingborough Norse, which is contracted by Wellingborough Council.

The council has apologised for the distress caused – and could help to set up a new Friends of Doddington Road Cemetery Group.

A spokesman for Wellingborough Council said: “The council have apologised for the offence caused, both to one individual who contacted us and more generally via social media.

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“The council is aware of the concern regarding recent grounds maintenance work carried out at the cemetery.

“We are sorry for any distress caused to anyone.

“We are making a number of adjustments to the way this work is done in future and we are pleased to support a suggestion for the formation of a Friends of Doddington Road Cemetery Group to work with us in relation to general upkeep of this important part of our town and borough.

“We have not had contact from Deborah Lewis but clearly if Deborah does wish to contact us we would be very happy to speak with her directly to both apologise personally and reassure her as to the action we are now going to take.”

A petition to demand the end of the excessive use of weedkillers at the cemetery, which currently has almost 500 signatures, can be viewed here.

Related topics:IraqNorthamptonshire