Repair Work Begins on Church Passage Wall
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Oakham Town Council has started repairs on a wall in Church Passage, a footpath that runs alongside All Saints Church. The path, owned by Rutland County Council, is currently closed while contractors address water damage and vandalism. The cost of the repairs is estimated to be just under £20,000.
The damaged wall is located in the churchyard, a space that the town council is responsible for maintaining. This maintenance is funded by local residents, a practice that stems from an old law requiring residents to pay for the upkeep of the parish church's grounds. While the Town Council is obligated to maintain the churchyard, it cannot provide similar support to other denominations.
The decision to begin repairs follows a number of concerns raised by residents regarding the general state of the churchyard. For several years, reports of substandard maintenance by council contractors have been a point of contention. Recently, with fewer volunteers for the "Oakham in Bloom" program, the church itself had to clear overgrown plants and weeds from one of the gardens of remembrance. Additionally, the other garden of remembrance, used by families to scatter ashes, is often used as a thoroughfare by dog walkers on their way to Cutts Close.
Another issue that has been raised is the condition of the grave ledgers. It is reported that the grave ledgers have become obscured by overgrown grass, making them difficult to locate.
The current repair work on the wall is a result of a blocked drainage hole, which led to water damage, and in some cases, vandalism. This closure has temporarily diverted foot traffic while the contractors carry out the necessary repairs.
Editor's Note: I wonder what visitors to Oakham think about the poor state of the churchyard, once kept in good condition by Oakham Town Council. Personally, I object to the old laws that make the upkeep of the churchyard the responsibility of the residents. Oakham Town Council cannot support any other church denomination in this way. The dog walkers should remember the Church yard has not been deconsecrated and dogs doing what they do on peoples graves is not acceptable.
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