VOLUNTEERS on Canvey have cleared rubbish and weeds at a cemetery yard.

The newly-formed Friends of St Katherine’s Group have worked tirelessly to improve St Katherine’s cemetery, in Canvey Road.

Canvey Central ward councillor, Dave Blackwell set up the group ten weeks ago, in response to council contractors spraying weedkiller on sections of grass.

Grieving families objected to the move and decided to take matters into their own hands by meeting every Friday to clear the cemetery.

Mr Blackwell, whose parents are buried there, is delighted with the response.

He said: “People have told us they can’t believe it’s the same cemetery, and are amazed at the difference “Residents weren’t happy with weedkiller being sprayed, as it spoiled the grass and plots.

We held a meeting at the library and that is where it all started.

There are around 15 volunteers who do the work.”

Volunteers say around 20 containers of rubbish have been cleared. Mr Blackwell added: “It is such a good group, and the work has attracted more people to the cemetery to pay their respects to relatives. The Heritage Centre provides us coffee and tea.”

Mr Blackwell added that a further surprise was the group receiving generous donations.

He is encouraging as many people as possible to get involved.

He said: “People on the island have donated money and even some slate for plots at the yard.

“There are a large number of graves here, so most islanders probably have some relatives there. It’s been very productive and anyone whowants to help is more than welcome.

“It proves what can be done when the community gets together.”

THE Friends have added to impressive work being carried out by similar groups across the island.

Dave Blackwell said he believed a strong community base was key to the good work.

He said: “This demonstrates why the island differs from the mainland.

“We are very proud of Canvey, and the community spirit brings people together to try and improve the island. You can see that with the good work that has been carried out at the beach.”

In 2014, Canvey Bay Watch was formed in a bid to bring the seafront back to its former glory.

Volunteers set about creating extra parking spaces, benches, bins and trees on Canvey’s seafront.

The Friends of Concord Beach group has also worked painstakingly alongside artists to bring colour to the seawall, by creating a series of murals.

These include pictures of local band Dr Feelgood and a B17 bomber memorial, dedicated to 11 crew members who lost their lives in a crash during the World War Two.

Three murals completed last week are of a paddle-steamer leaving Southend Pier, a lighthouse and a Thames sailing barge.