I AM currently with my granddaughter in the area and have had cause to visit the cemetery in Dobwalls. What a shock that proved to be! I was appalled to be confronted by grass and weeds that were waist high making it virtually impossible to visit a grave. We did enquire as to why it had been allowed to get in such a state and were told that it is due to lack of finance. We then queried how it is possible to go ahead with plans for various improvements with such a shortfall. Apparently this is a different pot of money! Surely it is time to get the priorities right and transfer some across thereby facing up to responsibility and showing respect for the dead. Another point, having been allowed to get in such a state, when it is cut it will cost considerably more than if it was regularly maintained. Therefore the budget will be used up on one fell swoop instead of being spread over a period. Yet another point, with the high volume of traffic through the village, often stationary or nearly so, it shows a very poor picture of the Christian presence in the community and of the village as a whole. I intend sending a copy of this letter to the editor of The Villager also in the hope that consciences will get pricked and action taken.

LOUISE BURDEN Milford