Family 'heartbroken' over treatment of mum's grave

Durham County Council said it regretted any upset caused after it used weed killer around the headstones

A grieving daughter says a council's "disrespectful treatment" of her mother's grave has left a family "heartbroken".

Karen Westgarth's mum Joan Bennett died in April aged 92 and she was buried at Low Westwood Cemetery near Consett, County Durham.

Mrs Westgarth said she discovered weed killer had been used around the headstone in July and has appealed to the Reform UK-led council - which maintains the cemetery - to use grass trimmers instead, adding: "Sorting this issue is the last thing we can do for her."

Ian Hoult, Durham County Council's neighbourhood protection manager, said it would be reviewing its approach to keeping graves maintained "to ensure greater care in future".

Mrs Westgarth said she hoped the council would "repair the best they can with grass seed".

"The disrespectful treatment has broken our hearts when we visit at a time that is already hard enough," she said, adding that her mum, a great-nana to four, was much loved by her family.

"It is beyond belief that anyone thought this treatment was acceptable."

Karen Westgarth, pictured with her late mum Joan Bennett, wants grass cutters to be used at the cemetery

Mr Hoult said approved pesticides are used at the cemetery in line with government guidance, adding that bleach was not used in its maintenance work.

"We understand how important these spaces are to families and we are sorry for any upset caused by recent weed treatment at Low Westwood Cemetery," he said.

"While strimming is an alternative, it can sometimes cause damage to headstones and kerb surrounds, which herbicide use helps to prevent.

"In this instance, however, the application may have been wider than intended, and we're reviewing our approach to ensure greater care in future."

He said the council remained "committed to respectful and safe cemetery maintenance" and welcomed feedback from visitors.