MOURNERS visiting a Renfrewshire cemetery claim botched attempts to control weeds have ruined floral tributes left for lost loved ones.

David Connell has accused council workers of destroying graveside flowers at Inchinnan Cemetery through the “excessive use of industrial-strength weedkiller.”

He is also urging people to sign a petition which calls on Renfrewshire Council to invest in the cemetery and make it “fit for purpose.”

A number of mourners have complained that a lack of proper drainage means that, on a rainy day, they are unable to visit graves as the cemetery becomes a “quagmire.”

Wheelchair-bound visitors are also said to have been left trapped in mud due to the swamp-like conditions.

Mr Connell, who is chairman of Inchinnan Community Council, said: “When offering available plots, Renfrewshire Council have told families their preferred burial area has no plots left, only for the families to see new plots appear weeks later.

“We believe this has come about because of Renfrewshire Council’s lack of investment.

“The cemetery is not only the local cemetery for Inchinnan, as the community now encompasses Erskine.

“Where will we bury our loved ones going forward? There are very few, if any, plots available.

“Renfrewshire Council must take immediate action to bring our cemetery back to an acceptable standard.”

However, council chiefs have confirmed there are no plans to carry out major improvements at the cemetery.

A spokesman said: “Inchinnan is one of nine active cemeteries in Renfrewshire and was built in 1929.

“Section C of the cemetery is built on a steep slope, with clay soil conditions. The council has been open and transparent in explaining the environmental and capacity challenges.

“Inchinnan, like all cemeteries, is maintained to the highest possible standard and is done so sensitive to the needs and wishes of family.

“A path network is provided, with paths made available where possible without disturbing lairs.”

He added: “No customer has been misled on the availability of lairs. Following a cemetery review last year, 20 new lairs were identified to increase the active life of the cemetery.

“Any council response saying that particular areas couldn’t be used for lairs was given in good faith.

“Weedkiller is used in preference to strimmers to control growth of weeds and prevent damage to headstones.

“Weedkiller applications avoid flowers placed on headstones.”

To sign the Inchinnan Cemetery petition, visit www.change.org/p/renfrewshire-council-petition-to-renfrewshire-council-to-invest-in-inchinnan-cemetery