THEY are meant to be tranquil areas of the city where loved ones are laid to rest.

But bereaved relatives have expressed their distress as overgrown grass blights cemeteries in Southampton.

Steve Plumridge said he was brought to tears at the state of Hollybrook Cemetery in Tremona Road as he and his partner Noreen Ockleford visited the grave of her late father.

And Lisa Harris, of Stuart Way, Bitterne Manor, said she was left distressed by the sight of long grass swarming over gravestones at South Stoneham Cemetery in Swaythling as she went to tend to her son’s grave.

She went with her 13-year-old son Fenton, who wanted to visit his brother.

Now Miss Harris is demanding an apology from the council for those who have experienced the conditions the graveyards are in.

Despite the condition of the two cemeteries, Southampton City Council, which maintains the plots, says keeping the grass cut is a “challenge” at this time of year.

Mr Plumridge, 47, of Walnut Grove, Southampton, went to Hollybrook Cemetery with his partner to visit her father Leonard Knight’s grave.

He said: “We knew where it was because we have a landmark there but when we walked in she was so shocked and upset to see it in that state.

“Everyone in the council should hold their heads in shame – the grass is 2ft long.

“You cannot see some of the graves, it’s an insult.

“Yes we have had cut backs but not to treat your loved ones like that. It brought tears to my eyes.

“Jacqui Rayment says they will approach the street lighting issue with common sense but they have not done this with graveyards.”

Miss Harris, 40, has written to the city council complaining about the condition of South Stoneham Cemetery.

It was brought to her attention when visiting the grave of her six-month-old son Mason White, who passed away in 1996.

She has also contacted Southampton Itchen MP John Denham.

Miss Harris said: “It’s not only distressing but it’s a health and safety risk.

“They should be paying more respect for the deceased.

“There shouldn’t be an issue of the grass getting long, it should be done all the time.

“My son’s grave had weeds and grass growing through it. It should be a pretty and calm place to visit.”

A council spokesman said: “The grass at Hollybrook Cemetery is currently longer than we would like.

“It is a large cemetery and keeping the grass cut is a challenge at this time of year despite additional staff being dedicated to this task.

“The first priority for the small team working across the council’s five cemeteries must always be to ensure that burials take place with dignity and respect for the deceased.

“However, when not undertaking burial duties all staff are actively working to reduce the height of the grass to an acceptable standard.”