Construction aimed at beautifying St. Raymond?s cemetery is taking longer than expected, infuriating family and friends who say they are having a difficult time entering the grounds.

Back in October, rocks and debris covered the area where tombs were once buried. The tombs were dug up to make room for the construction. Unhappy relatives and friends ? some of whom say the tombs have been desecrated ? were told the construction would be completed by the beginning of 2008.

But it?s still going on, and many families say they are worried that the tombs won?t be put back exactly where they belong when it?s over,.

Families also now say many of the cemetery?s entrances are locked, making visiting the grounds even more difficult.

Groundskeepers say the construction should resume within the next month.