FAMILIES have been left frustrated over the state of a cemetery on Canvey.

Ronnie Baker, 21, of Canvey, went to visit the grave of his dad, Thomas Baker, who died in 2008, in St Katherine’s Cemetery.

He revealed he was upset to find the grass was overgrown and there was rubbish everywhere due to the bins being full.

He said: “I was upset when I saw the state of the cemetery.

“I lost my dad when I was quite young so it is quite a big thing for me to go over there and it was just shocking how they can let it get like that.

“The grass was so high I couldn’t even see my father’s headstone.

“I was there for an hour tidying it up.

“We shouldn’t have to do that.”

He added after he had tidied the grave, he couldn’t put the rubbish and weeds in the bins because they were overflowing.

He has reported his findings to Castle Point Council, which is responsible for maintaining the cemetery.

Ronnie’s stepdad, Marco Figueira, added his disappointment over the condition of the graveyard.

Mr Figueria said: “Ronnie is quite a strong person and he doesn’t get upset easily. I think this is the first time I have seen him that upset.

“He showed me the video he took of the cemetery and the grass can’t have been cut for two or three months.

“We have reported it before but no one comes back to you.

“I am shocked that it has been left like that.”

He added that he felt Castle Point Council was not doing enough work on the island and instead leaving it to voluntary groups, such as the Friends of Katherine’s Church, Canvey Baywatch and Friends of Concord Beach.

Other residents have also expressed their frustrations with the condition of the graveyard.

David Roberts said: “I think it is disgusting that our cherished ancestors and missed loved ones are treated so shabbily.”

A group of volunteers work hard to maintain the cemetery, but are also getting frustrated by the lack of support from the council.

Sandy Cook said: “Us volunteers work so hard to try and make it a looked after church yard, but the council let us down every time. I spend half my time ringing them up to cut grass or empty bins to be told it is in hand.” Castle Point Council did not respond to a request for a comment.