HAS anybody else noticed what an eyesore the grounds of St Mary’s churchyard, Southampton, have become?

This is supposed to be the mother church of Southampton with a cathedral status. Part of the grounds are now a car park, some of the outer walls are dilapidated, what grass is left is shabby and not looked after properly, even the area where there used to be roses is a mess.

As far as I know, the churchyard is still a burial site, surely it’s inappropriate to use the area as a car park. They could utilise the church more, like some churches in London have done, ie, using it as a concert or performance venue, even holding some events outside.

Part of the grounds could be used as a memorial gardens, with memorial benches plaques, etc, it would even be quite interesting have a list put of people buried in the grounds

Stephen Marden

Southampton