MONMOUTH Cemetery is in desperate need of tidying up and updating, a report says.

The report to the Central Monmouthshire Area Committee found that in its current condition, the cemetery is not a place where the bereaved can find comfort in grief or remembrance.

Debbie McCarty, Area Services Officer for Central Monmouthshire, said there was no parking at the cemetery - something which causes traffic congestion around every funeral - disabled access is poor to the new section as the ground slopes down, and there are no appropriate paths.

There are also not enough seats and not enough water points. She said the garden of remembrance at the 150-year-old cemetery also needs attention as it puts people off sitting and remembering their loved ones.

Ms McCarty said: "The cemetery service as it is provided in Monmouth, needs updating to keep in line with people's aspirations.

"We accept that cemeteries are not just there as places to bury the dead, but to provide an amenity for families to grieve and remember their loved one."

Councillor Eileen Goodrich, Monmouthshire County Councillor, said that she welcomed news that something should be done to provide more seating at the cemetery and carry out tidying up work.

She said: "What we should do is make the work a community project with the people of the town.

"It is an amenity that is for the people of Monmouth and a place very much for comfort.

"I welcome the work to be carried out to tidy it up. "I would like to see money being spent to make it a much nicer place to be.

"It does have a sad and neglected air about it at the moment and it would be nice to see that environment changed.

"The people of Monmouth should have their say on what happens but it would be great to make it a nice place to visit."