A COUNCIL has defended its nature-friendly approach to the upkeep of churchyards and cemeteries, which has angered many families.

Wear Valley District Council has adopted a "sympathetic to wildlife" approach to churchyard maintenance in a bid to create a haven for flora and fauna.

But the move caused anger among some people, who believe burial sites should be stringently maintained with the grass kept short and tidy.

Reading a statement by council officials at a meeting this week, council leader Olive Brown said: "Wear Valley District Council has one of the highest number of churchyards and cemeteries per head, so has one of the highest costs in the country arising from maintenance work.

"A more natural approach to closed churchyard maintenance has been advocated by agencies such as the Arthur Rank Centre, a church and countryside group, and Durham Wildlife Trust.

"This approach seeks to promote the enhancement of wildlife and the incorporation of churchyards and cemeteries into the historic landscape."

Richard Wood, chief executive of Durham Wildlife Trust, said: "Churchyards can be very tranquil and a haven to wildflowers, insects and birds if maintained in a sympathetic manner, which does not mean they will be allowed to grow wild."

Councillor Jenny Flynn, chairwoman of Tow Law Town Council, said: "Parts of the cemetery in Dans Castle which have been left uncut for some time look untidy and give a bad impression.

"Lots of people have said they are having difficulty visiting relatives' graves and are upset with the state of the site.

"Wear Valley District Council have adopted this as a way of saving money, which we can all appreciate, but even in the older parts there are graves still visited by families, and their feelings need to be respected.

Eric Watson, whose parents, George and Isobel Watson, were buried in Tow Law cemetery in 1981 and 1996 respectively, said: "My parents wanted to be laid to rest in the older part, like their parents.

"I understand this new idea but wouldn't want the more recent graves, still visited by family, to get overgrown."

A council spokesman said that while alternative arrangements were introduced some sites may appear less attractive, but each would be dealt with as soon as possible and the scheme would be reviewed.