Families in Nottingham have branded council rules “graveyard robbery” after being told to remove personal items from burial plots in local cemeteries.
The controversial policy, which the council says has historically been in place, is now being more strictly enforced due to what officials describe as “significant recent incidents” and a “proliferation of unofficial memorials.”
The enforcement has sparked a heated debate between council officials defending the measures and local politicians who argue the policy is causing unnecessary pain to bereaved families.
The clampdown affects hundreds of burial plots across Nottingham’s cemeteries, though officials claim only a few cases have led to ongoing disputes.
Council cemetery rules slammed as ‘graveyard robbery’ after families told to clear plotsGoogle street viewIn defence of the policy, Councillor Sam Lux, executive member for carbon reduction, leisure and culture, emphasised the need for proper maintenance and safety.
“In order to maintain these areas in a safe and correct way, the service has set out how varying plots will be managed,” said Lux.
The council maintains that families are informed of the rules when purchasing plot leases.
Lux added: “Each burial plot will have a defined area leased by the family and any expansion beyond this has an impact on other bereaved families as it starts to encroach on their site.”
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The council reports that most families have responded positively to the enforcement measures.
The dispute centres on the distinction between lawn graves and traditional graves in Nottingham’s cemeteries.
Lawn graves are permitted only an official headstone, while traditional graves allow for more personalisation.
The council says that while additions to lawn graves have been tolerated in the past, they must now take action due to health and safety concerns.
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Officials have emphasised that they do not make changes to any grave without first consulting the affected family.
The council has also clarified that headstones themselves are never interfered with during the enforcement process.
Leading criticism of the policy has come from Councillor Kevin Clarke, who challenged the council during a meeting on Monday.
“Could the council please explain the rationale behind the decision to restrict families from decorating the graves of their loved ones given the huge distress and hurt it has caused them?” Clarke asked.
The Nottingham Independents leader later described the policy as “tantamount to graveyard robbery”.
Among those affected is the family of a Nottingham military veteran, who expressed confusion over the sudden enforcement after more than 30 years.
Clarke noted that councillors have received numerous complaints about the policy, declaring: “I’m sure all the councillors have had complaints about this policy.
“To me, it’s a terrible policy.”