We are tackling cemetery woes

I WRITE with regard to the letter  entitled “Cemetery woes” (June 28)from Ron Lunn of Penhow, referring to St Woolos cemetery. 
Budget cuts, due to the UK’s Government’s austerity measures, have hit council services across the country and Newport City Council is no exception. 
While the council always strives to provide the best possible service to customers, reductions in staff have inevitably had an impact but the council is taking on board the criticism and taking action. We are currently tackling the grass cutting with additional people in teams working over the next few days at both St Woolos and Christchurch cemeteries, although the newer part of St Woolos was recently cut. 
There was a problem with the water supply to St Woolos but this has been resolved with a standpipe at the main entrance from Bassaleg Road with a second pipe being installed at the Risca Road entrance. Empty bottles are placed near the supply for people to fill and take to the gravesides. 
As for opening hours, budget savings last year affected the park ranger service, whose staff are responsible for opening and closing the cemeteries. It was decided to operate office hours of 8.30am to 4.30pm, with the gates finally closing at 4.45pm, which brings us in line with local authorities throughout South Wales. However at St Woolos a ranger does open the gates at 6am.