Cllr claims weedkiller to blame for Skelton headstone damage
Councillor Justin Thompson believes weedkiller used by Redcar and Cleveland Council, to avoid grass cutting and therefore saving cash, is causing graves in Skelton Cemetery to tilt.
He claims this is due to the chemical leaving grass around headstones “scorched” and impacting the soil structure, which then erodes and weakens the headstones’ foundations.
Cllr Thompson said he’d identified the issue in Skelton Cemetery, but after posting about his concerns on Facebook, residents highlighted a similar picture at several other council-managed cemeteries, including Brotton, Loftus, Redcar and Saltburn.
Councillor Adam Brook, the cabinet member for neighbourhoods, however, said the council acknowledged Cllr Thompson’s concerns and would look to make improvements at Skelton Cemetery – but added that it was “unlikely” that weedkiller alone would cause headstone tipping.
He said the council had used glyphosate in cemeteries for about 20 years since it minimised the need for close cutting around headstones, helping to prevent accidental damage. It also reduced the risk of ‘Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome’ which resulted from prolonged use of handheld power tools, such as strimmers.
Cllr Brook said: “Fallen headstones are typically due to age, design, or environmental factors like dry weather. It is unlikely that the use of weed killer alone would cause headstones to tip. Responsibility for the upkeep of individual headstones rests with families, but we do carry out regular inspections to ensure cemeteries are safe and we encourage residents to report any concerns.
“While we are reducing pesticide use across the borough, cemeteries are currently exempt due to their specific maintenance needs. However, we are committed to working with Cllr Thompson, ward councillors and local volunteers to explore more sustainable alternatives.”
In 2024, the local authority adopted a new policy which aimed to gradually limit the use of glyphosate-based weedkiller after concerns expressed by environmental campaigners led to a motion being approved by council members.
A council cabinet report said glyphosate would no longer be sprayed around the likes of tree bases, grass edges and shrub beds contained within council-owned soft surfaces. It would also be reduced in cemeteries and formal parks once a plan had been drawn up, although the chemical would still be used to manage vegetation abutting hard surfaces such as roads and footpaths, so adopted highways were maintained to a safe standard.
Cllr Thompson says he had been told the council would halt the use of glyphosate at Skelton Cemetery.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The [council] keeps widening the area of exposed soil around the headstones as a result of its continued use. The soil has been blown away and around each headstone you have a significant dip in the soil. The foundations have been exposed and some headstones have started to tilt or fallen over.”
Cllr Thompson said he would fight the council “tooth and nail” to ensure glyphosate was no longer used in cemeteries, and was pleased to be told the authority would add new top soil around affected gravestones and seed with grass seeds.
Posting on Facebook, Cllr Thompson said “This isn’t just about appearance. That grass protects the soil structure around the stones. Without it, the earth is eroding, undermining the foundations of these resting places. The result? Headstones that are beginning to topple.
“Graves are sacred, they are places of remembrance, cared for by loved ones left behind. What the council has done is not just lazy, it is disrespectful to the memory of the people buried there and to their families.”
Some residents disagreed with Cllr Thompson’s assertions and said a lack of rain in recent months was to blame, with the council having no control over the weather. Others were in support describing similar scenes at other council-managed cemeteries.