Labour councillors from the area have accused the Lib Dems of 'dragging their heels' over the condition of Burngreave Cemetery on Melrose Road.

They say the graveyard is overgrown, unkempt, and strewn with litter, and that there are headstones toppling over which could be dangerous. A public meeting has been arranged to discuss the situation.

Coun Ibrar Hussain, who represents Burngreave ward, said the issue was first raised last October at an Area Panel meeting when residents handed a petition to the council. But he claimed nothing had been done since.

He said: "The Lib Dem council are dragging their heels on this. It's unfair to the people of Burngreave, and also the visitors to the cemetery who have to see all this mess when paying their respects to the people they miss."

Coun Hussain, who visited the cemetery with resident John Duignan, added: "A cemetery should be a respectful and dignified place, but this cemetery is neither.

"It's been neglected for far too long and the council should sit up and listen to the concerns of local residents."

The cemetery dates back to Victorian times and Coun Hussain said it was the resting place of MP David Blunkett's father.

A spokesman for the Lib Dems said: "Since the petition officers have met on site with the petitioner, let them know how we are implementing the plan for managing the cemetery, and written asking every person on the petition what their specific concerns are.

"When we asked the local Labour Community Assembly to put this issue on their agenda they refused, so we have had to organise a separate public meeting.

"Labour also refused to commit any of its £439,000 Community Assembly budget to the issue. We are to tidy the Cemetery up, including work on overgrown vegetation."

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