Local councillors have asked for an update on a biodiversity scheme at the town’s old cemetery, following complaints that the area had been left overgrown.

Clr. Mrs. Maureen Ward raised the matter at Tuesday night’s meeting of Tenby Town Council, after locals had complained to her.

“The old cemetery appears to have been cut now, but we need to find out how often these works take place, as a lot of people have stopped me to say they couldn’t get through the cemetery at the beginning of the summer, due to the grass being so high, with people terrified that there might be snakes in there!” she told her colleagues.

The town clerk, Andrew Davies, said he needed to check with St. Mary’s Church to see what the policies were for cutting schedules.

The Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, said it would be worthwhile holding a site visit and also asked if an update could be provided on the biodiversity scheme, a joint collaboration between St. Mary’s Parochial Church Council, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Pembrokeshire College.

Considered the last old hay meadow in the Tenby area, the project has seen the old cemetery managed to help protect and conserve over 100 different species of wildlife.

The grass is cut at specific times of the year to encourage the large variety of wild plants and flowers to set seed, while main pathways and access to tended graves is maintained throughout the year.

“It wouldn’t hurt to have an update on this project, so we are kept informed of the work taking place there. It is the biggest natural hay meadow in the area, and there are information boards in place to explain the scheme. It is overgrown, and that might not be to everyone’s liking,” said Clr. Mrs. Lane.