Makeover for Fleet Cemetery

UNPAID workers from the local probation service are carrying out a three month long tidy up and refurbishment exercise at Fleet Cemetery.

Unpaid work supervisor Keith Hardy said the groups of ten probationers at a time were enjoying the hard work.

“They can see something from their efforts and know that people who visit the cemetery appreciate what they are doing,” he said.

Their first task was to remove a number of branches brought down by last year’s storms. They are also dealing with undergrowth, neglected graves, footpath, boundaries and painting of benches.

Mr Hardy expects the work to continue well into the summer.

Nick Steevens, principal environmental health officer at Hart, commented: “It is sad to see how unkempt some of the graves are.

“The probation service relies on donations of tools and materials. We have managed to secure these materials from the Fleet branch of Travis Perkins, who very kindly provided them free of charge.”

Mr Steevens said Hart was hoping that the former Fleet Cemetery Action Committee could be revived.

“It would be very helpful to talk to a group rather than individuals about problems at the cemetery, “ he added.

Cllr Myra Billings, Hart’s portfolio holder for people and partnerships, said: “These unpaid workers are doing a marvellous job in restoring what is an important area for so many local people.”