Volunteers forced to take over upkeep of Sible Hedingham churchyard after talks break down

Volunteers have been forced to take over the upkeep of a churchyard in Sible Hedingham, after the parish council claimed it was no longer responsible.

For two decades, Sible Hedingham Parish Council had funded the work at St Peter’s Church.

Earlier this year, the parish council was instructed by the National Association of Local Councils that it had to stop funding the work because it was the responsibility of the church.

Tony Frost, spokesman for Sible Hedingham Parochial Church Council, said: “This is a very unfortunate situation as the parish council and the church have a common interest in maintaining a village amenity.

“Sadly, the church cannot afford the whole cost of grass-cutting and, for many years, the parish council has accepted responsibility.”

Mr Frost claimed there was no law preventing the council from continuing the work.

“The recent advice of the Association of Local Councils does not, as suggested, forbid the parish council from contributing, but suggests that there is an argument that an 1894 act is not overridden by a specific provision in a 1972 act, despite the Government’s current view that no such doubt exists,” he said.

Mr Frost added that the church hoped to reach a resolution shortly.

“The church has taken legal advice from solicitors specialising in local government law, but the parish council ignores this and declines even to enter into dialogue despite significant local concern,” he said.

“The church is doing everything possible to avoid a conflict with the parish council, and hopes that wiser counsel will soon prevail.”

In response, Ron Volkwyn, chairman of Sible Hedingham Parish Council, said the authroity had taken care of the churchyard long before he was appointed to the role four years ago.

“We were shocked to find out that we couldn’t continue to pay for it,” he said.

The news came to light early this year when the parish council was informed that the responsibility of the work lay with the church as the churchyard was still being used for burials.

The council is responsible for the maintenance of the churchyard at St Nicholas’ Church and the cemetery in Sheepcot Road, in Castle Hedingham, which are both closed to further burials, having reached full capacity.

Mr Volkwyn said the parish council had been happy to contribute to the village by fulfilling the duty over the years, but questioned why the church could not take over the work.

“The other side of the coin is why shouldn’t the church pay for it?” asked Mr Volkwyn.

Volunteers have taken it upon themselves to cut the grass at the churchyard so far this year.