Whitchurch residents outraged over cemetery orders

The orders have sparked outrage among residents, many of whom are calling for a change in the council's approach to managing the cemetery.

Debbie Matland, a Whitchurch resident whose father's grave was among those targeted by the council's letter, told the Gazette: "We were outraged to hear that the town council wouldn't let us keep memorabilia on my dad's grave.

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Whitchurch Town Council has sent letters to a number of people about cemetery rules (Image: David Martin, Geograph)

“The letter was dated August 7, and we received it on Saturday, August 10. It was from the town clerk, writing on behalf of the town council. It instructed us to remove all excess memorabilia because it was affecting the ground maintenance.”

The letter is reportedly part of a broader enforcement effort by the town council to adhere to cemetery regulations, but Ms Matland and other residents believe the approach lacks sensitivity.

“This was the first time we received such a letter, but other residents have told me that the council has been sending similar letters for the past few years,” she added.

Ms Matland believes the council's rationale for the crackdown is linked to cost-saving measures.

She explained that the contractor responsible for ground maintenance has to remove the ornaments to mow the grass, which incurs additional expenses for the council. 

But Ms Matland is questioning the council’s priorities, particularly when it comes to the upkeep of the cemetery.

“It is concerning that the town council is not willing to put any extra money into maintaining the cemetery. Why can't families have flowers on graves? Why can't we plant bulbs or have small windmills?” she asked.

The letter, which was addressed to Ms Matland’s mother, the official owner of the burial rights, has caused distress across the family.

Her post in a local Facebook group received numerous comments from other residents who had received similar letters.

Ms Matland’s frustration grew when, instead of addressing her complaint, the town council responded by warning her about potential copyright infringement for sharing a photo of their letter.

“It feels like they’re more concerned with copyright infringements than addressing the pain it’s causing,” she said.

Under current cemetery rules, families without a headstone are only allowed to place one vase at the grave.

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For those with headstones, two vases are permitted. Ms Matland is also calling on the town council to reconsider these rules and allow more freedom for families to honour their loved ones with flowers, bulbs, and other decorations.

“This is about respecting our loved ones’ memories,” she said.

“The council needs to understand that these rules are hurting families, and they need to change.”

When asked about the letter, Whitchurch Town Council clerk said the rules and regulations were agreed "prior to interment in the cemetery".

The clerk said: "The rules and regulations approved by the council are in place to ensure that high standards of maintenance and appearance can be maintained and to ensure that the cemetery is a safe place for all visitors, contractors and staff. These rules are reviewed annually by the council and it is then down to officers to manage the cemetery as per the rules.

"The rules are in place to guide families on what is and isn’t permitted when they are looking at the final resting place of their loved ones. Some families chose the cemetery because of the limited permitted memorabilia and overall appearance of the cemetery, others decide it is not the place for them because they feel the rules are too restrictive. Part of the paperwork required prior to an interment in the cemetery is for the owner of the Exclusive Rights of Burial to confirm that they have read, understood and agree to abide by the rules and regulations. The formal granting of the Exclusive Rights of Burial does not give land ownership, but allows the grantee the right to decide who shall be interred in the grave space and the right to apply to install a headstone or tablet. 

"Having had a number of complaints from families recently about the standard of work carried out at the cemetery, damage caused to memorabilia, items being moved and comments from our contractor about how difficult the cemetery is to maintain due to memorabilia, a number of letters were recently sent to the owners of the Exclusive Rights of Burial who have placed items in the cemetery that are not permitted, requesting that they are kindly removed. All letters sent are written as sensitively as possible, appreciating that families are grieving their loved ones and acknowledging that the cemetery is an emotive subject.

"The council is always interested to hear from residents, and has been contacted directly by a few families who have received the latest letters wishing for clarification on their breach of the rules. Most of them understand the reasons the letter was sent, but one person did acknowledge that they were aware of the rules when they interred their family member, but thought they were petty and ridiculously strict so disregarded them."