Churchyard grass can only be mown three times a year because of cuts to funding, says Cornwall Council.

In response to concerns from residents about the long grass in cemeteries in Liskeard, raised on the Cornish Times Facebook site and reported in last week’s print edition, the local authority said it has adopted a ‘Living Churchyard’ maintenance policy.

‘This is a sympathetic, wildlife-focused approach that offers ecological benefits, while maintaining churchyards in a respectful way,’ said a council spokesperson. ‘These areas are now cut on average three times a year. We ensure that all sites under our care remain safe and that all the main footpaths and entrances are kept clear throughout the year.’

Government cuts to local authority funding have meant that maintenance standards for all public areas have had to be reviewed, the spokesperson said.

There’s more on this and further complaints about another churchyard in this week’s print edition of the Cornish Times, on sale now.