Resident cleans up Astley Bridge Cemetery entrance

Jackie Saunders regularly litter picks on Eden Street in Astley Bridge, so is used to looking after her environment. 

However, she had recently noticed how "unkempt and neglected" the street's entrance to Astley Bridge Cemetery had become. 

She decided to clean it up, partly out of respect for the Commonwealth War Graves where 47 casualties from the First and Second World War lay. 

How it looked before (Image: Public) Jackie said: "I regularly litter pick on Eden Street and had noticed how unkempt and neglected the entrance to the cemetery was, I thought it would be disappointing for anyone visiting the cemetery. 

"It’s also concerning because the cemetery has War Graves and when compared to other cemeteries, it looks like those in Astley Bridge aren’t valued, I know this isn’t true, it’s just the impression it gives. 

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"My nephew Jonah helped me enormously to clear and remove all the waste, I couldn’t have done it without him.

"Hopefully now the gates will be locked at night time and anyone visiting the cemetery will agree the approach looks much better." 

How it looked after (Image: Public) Cllr Hilary Fairclough said: "A couple of weeks ago we held a Pride of Astley Bridge event to celebrate and congratulate some of the many residents who volunteer, often unprompted, to try and improve our area. 

"Jackie, one of our nominees, felt that the gateway to Astley Bridge Cemetery, which was overgrown and never locked at night, gave a poor impression to those coming to attend a funeral or visit a loved ones grave and I couldn’t agree more, our cemetery is in a poor state and I get lots of complaints. 

"Astley Bridge cemetery is a war graves cemetery. When you look at other war graves cemeteries, particularly in other countries, they seem to be really valued. 

"But what a difference this lady and her nephew have made to the gateway, I think the photos speak for themselves, the gates can now be locked and it makes the approach to the cemetery much better." 

She added: "I am truly amazed by the selflessness of local residents who are prepare to take the time to improve our area and cannot thank them enough."