'We can't keep the grass down using a pair of scissors!'

Ban on graveyard volunteers using lawnmower

- Frances Millar

VOLUNTEERS tending a medieval cemetery have been banned from using a lawnmower for safety and insurance reasons.

Council chiefs say the Friends of St Giles Hill Graveyard can no longer use power tools at the site, which includes the resting places of a 1912 Titanic victim and seven First World War fallen.

However, perplexed volunteers - who have their own insurance to use mowers and other machines - insist they cannot continue their work with "scissors".

Charity chairman Dr Dave Stewart said the council initially informed the 75-strong group via a phone call.

Complex

An official later emailed: "I understand that you will be annoyed at this as you have been maintaining the graveyard for so many years with no problems with the use of these tools.