Churchyard in Honiton is branded as a ‘disgrace’

A Honiton town councillor has branded the state of a church graveyard as a ‘disgrace’ and called for action to have it tidied up and maintained.

Cllr Peter Halse raised concerns about the graveyard outside the now-deserted St Michael’s Church.

Speaking at a council meeting held earlier this month, Mr Halse said: “There are World War One soldiers buried there, yet it’s virtually impossible to find their graves.

“There are people’s parents buried up there.

“The condition of the graveyard around the church is a disgrace to the town. I am quite concerned about the situation.”

Mr Halse also queried whether it was possible that the town council take over the churchyard and running it, adding that the issue would need looking at.

Cllr Caroline Kolek, Honiton’s mayor and town council chair, said she would be happy to bring up the issue at a future town council meeting following discussions with the town clerk.