As there have been a number of letters published in the Falmouth Packet regarding St Gluvias Churchyard in the last two weeks, I felt I should write to clarify the situation.

St Gluvias Churchyard is a ‘closed’ cemetery which is in the ownership of the Diocese of Truro and maintained by Cornwall Council. However, Cornwall Council’s maintenance standards for closed cemeteries have recently been revised in response to significant cuts in the budget. 

The new maintenance regimes ensure the site remains safe and that all major pedestrian routes and entrances are to be kept clear and accessible. However, all the remaining areas will be cut at a much lower frequency than previously.

Cornwall Council has advised that responsibility for the disposal of waste from the site rests with the Diocese, however, following a meeting on site, they have agreed to remove it on this occasion and your readers will be pleased to know that for now, the issue has been resolved. Cornwall Council and the Diocese are continuing to work together to find a long-term solution to the problem.

In the meantime, should a group of interested parties wish to form an action group to keep the cemetery tidy, the town council is happy to assist in arranging for the hire of CORMAC’s new toolkit trailer which will provide all the necessary equipment, insurance cover, and disposal of rubbish and garden waste at no cost and to liaise with the Diocese regarding permissions. 

Anyone wishing to set up such a group may contact the town council by telephoning 01326 373086 or emailing admin@penryntowncouncil.co.uk.

Penryn Town Council