COMPLAINTS about leftover grass cuttings at Renfrewshire's cemeteries and war memorials have sparked a review by council chiefs.

They have agreed to examine the issue after Councillor Andy Doig and other elected representatives said their inboxes have been filled with concerns about the state of some commemorative sites in their wards.

Councillor Doig, along with Councillor James MacLaren and Councillor Iain McMillan spoke out about the issue at a recent full council meeting, where it was decided that officers would look into the situation.

Speaking afterwards, Councillor Doig said the matter had been raised “repeatedly” with him in relation to cemeteries in Lochwinnoch and Kilbarchan.

“I would hope that there can be a greater recognition of the special place that these areas have in the hearts of constituents, for a whole host of personal reasons, and that it is important to them that they are seen to be treated respectfully,” he added.

Councillor Doig, who represents Johnstone North and the surrounding villages as an Independent, said he hopes the review will begin before Christmas but conceded that would be for the convener of the infrastructure, land and environment (ILE) policy board, as well as council officers, to decide.

He added that, while there can be “good horticultural reasons” for leaving the cuttings behind at this time of year, it could be perceived by some as disrespectful.

“I think the public perception is – in war memorials and cemeteries – these areas are imbued with personal significance related to issues of grief, personal loss and, to the public, it just looks a wee bit like disrespect," he said.

“I think, as a council, we need to be mindful of that. I don’t think any of us want that, so we need to look at a way in which we can give special attention to the war memorials and cemeteries.”

An amendment from Councillor Michelle Campbell, convener of the ILE board, was agreed at the meeting, which will allow a review to take place.

She said: “Since 2018 through to and including this financial year, we have seen and will be seeing a complete investment of £1,541,018 across our estates for our cemeteries.

“I think that having a review will allow the council to look at this investment and the maintenance that is being utilised to make sure that it’s being done most effectively.”

Improvements starting being made to Hawkhead Cemetery this summer after a pressure group began campaigning for Renfrewshire Council to carry out the work.

The Friends of Hawkhead Cemetery group was set up by Paisley newsagent Desmond Barr after complaints about the “disgraceful state” of the council-owned graveyard.

Shortly after the group was launched, they carried out a public survey to find out what issues people most wanted Renfrewshire Council to take action on at Hawkhead Cemetery.

These included better maintenance and weeding of pathways, more regular grass cutting, repairing the many potholes on the roads throughout the cemetery and new signage.