A BUSINESSMAN has criticised a district council for the state of a town cemetery.

Cafe owner Sam Zair visits Bishop Auckland Cemetery, with his 80-year-old mother, Bernice, each week.

But he said that in recent weeks the trip has become like an assault course because paths are overgrown and a water leak in part of the site has made the earth muddy.

He said: "It is bad enough for me to walk down there but ridiculous for older people.

"I've lots of relatives buried there, including grandparents, and there are a lot of elderly people want to walk in that area.

"Wear Valley District Council needs to show a little more respect for the dead by tending to the graves and making sure people can visit."

A council spokesman said: "We have adopted a cemetery and churchyard management policy that is sensitive to nature so wildflowers are left to grow to create wildlife habitats. However, the issue of a leak near a footpath is being looked into and will be repaired."