WELLINGTON councillors have hit out against the 'appalling' state of the cemetery.

The subject was discussed at a town council meeting on Monday evening (June 3), as representatives from the new Somerset West and Taunton Council came to discuss the new structure and how things will work.

New councillor Nick Smith brought up the issue after being contacted by a concerned resident.

He said: "There must be someone responsible for this.

"Weeds don't just grow like that in a week."

Other councillors agreed the cemetery had reached an 'appalling' state, and swift action was required with a big anniversary coming up.

They did, however, recognise the issue is much the same in neighbouring Taunton.

Helen Phillips and Hattie Winters from the SWT localities engagement team explained to the town councillors what would be different under the new council.

She said they were facing challenges with '20 per cent' of staff having left, and issues were being tackled 'in order of priority'.

It is believed a lot of staffing gaps are at the DLO.

The councillors heard how the council was pushing people and organisations to create an online account where most of their answers could be found - freeing up the time of case workers and specialists.

John Thorne said: "We were told the only that would be different is the name.

"It's really disappointing we are at this stage where things are falling apart.

"How did we reach this pinch point?

"No one said we would have to go through bad times before it got better."

But Mrs Phillips said that was exactly the case expected.

She said: "We were told it was going to be difficult.

"We lost 20 per cent of staff but demand hasn't gone down."

Since the complaints were made, the council had sprung into action to tidy up the cemetery. 

Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Benet Allen, said: “SWT had arranged for the issues at Wellington Cemetery to be addressed before the town council meeting following a request from a member of the public. The work is being carried out by the open spaces team and had been started this week.

"They have cut the grass at the bottom of the cemetery and are now strimming this area. They will then focus on cutting, strimming and tidying up the remaining areas. This should all be completed by the end of Saturday.

"SWT had also already arranged for the flower beds to be replanted and the grass cut at Wellington Park where the D-Day Memorial Service is being held.

"The localities engagement team is committed to championing the Wellington area, and aim to work with the community to understand their needs and aspirations, and take positive action to make a difference together.”