Redcar & Cleveland Council & Eston Cemetery are forcing me to remove adornments from my deceased husband’s memorial plot. I have been advised that adornments cannot be placed on any grassed area of the plot notwithstanding that all of the items were placed within the boundary of my husband’s burial plot and did not encroach into any adjacent plots/graves.

A letter received following a recent inspection by Redcar & Cleveland Council states that I must remove adornments and if applicable any edging from my husband’s plot. I am devastated by this request. My husband died less than a year ago and I am still grieving. Being able to go to his grave, where I have been able to place personal items, brings me enormous comfort. Without these items I will be visiting a stark plot which bears no resemblance to my husband or our relationship.

I have set up a petition to try and change these type of rules and regulations. I understand that there are limits as to what should be used to personalise a burial plot but I believe that the bereaved should have the right to use reasonable adornments to maintain the connection with our loved ones, particularly if these respect the boundaries of and access to adjacent plots as is the case in this instance.

On behalf of Colette and her deceased husband Michael Waugh who rests peacefully at Eston cemetery.