Fly-tippers have desecrated the entrance to the treasured parish cemetery on Gellfield Lane in Uppermill, sparking outrage throughout the Saddleworth community.

Parish Council staff discovered the sickening attack when they returned to work on Monday, finding rubbish dumped at the cemetery entrance. The incident comes weeks after thieves stole the cemetery’s distinguished gate, which the council has already committed to replacing at significant expense.

Weather permitting, the new gate will be fitted soon alongside operational security cameras, measures the council says it can ill afford. “This is all extra expense that the Parish Council can ill afford and shouldn’t be necessary,” a parish council spokesperson stated.

Cllr Barbara Beeley, Chair of the Parish Council, condemned the fly-tippers: “Whether there is a gate or not, and security cameras or not, people should not fly tip anywhere, but they should especially respect sacred ground and neither damage nor fly tip there. We shall examine the rubbish and, if we can ascertain the identity of the person(s) doing this, we shall definitely prosecute them. There is no reason whatsoever to fly tip when there is a free refuse collection point at Arkwright Street, but I suppose some idle, selfish people just can’t be bothered to go there.”

Local residents expressed their fury at the desecration. “It’s an absolute disgrace. The graveyard is a very special place for families and the community. These fly-tippers feel no guilt,” one resident said.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Saddleworth Parish Council on 01457 876665.

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