AM Ken Skates rolls up his sleeves to help Rhosymedre churchyard clean-up operation

Ken Skates, the Labour AM for Clwyd South, met the Rev Kate Tiltman at St John’s Church, Rhosymedre, on Thursday (July 31) to discuss the growing problem of long grass and weeds, which in some areas have been as tall as some of the headstones.

The issue has arisen because dwindling funds mean the church cannot afford regular cuts and tidy-ups, which cost £1,000 each. A one-off grant from Cefn Community Council paid for it to be addressed recently, but Mr Skates is now appealing for volunteers to help preserve the area.

“Because the church has no more burial plots, income is dropping and there isn’t enough money to have the grass in the graveyard cut as often as Kate would like,” said Mr Skates.

“St John’s is a beautiful church and many of the villagers and the congregation have family members buried there, so it’s a shame it fell into the condition it was in until the community council stepped in to help.

“However, unless the church suddenly comes into a lot of money, there isn’t an easy resolution to this problem. I am happy to lend a hand to help continue the clear-up, but it would be great if we could get a team of regular volunteers together to keep on top of things.”

Cefn councillor Derek Wright added: “Money to do this sort of work is in short supply, but I know Ken will do everything possible with anyone else willing to help out, as will we on Cefn Community Council.”

On Sunday Mr Skates and Cllr Wright decided to get their hands dirty and clear bushes and foliage which remained after recent work funded by the community council.

Mr Skates said: “I’m very grateful to Cllr Wright for giving up his time at the weekend to muck in. It was hot work, but I really enjoyed the morning. However, it would be good if members of the congregation and the wider community got in touch with Kate to offer their support too.”