In June 2023 my dad was buried in the new Olive Section at Pleasington Cemetery. The loss of our dad left us heartbroken.

The only place I find peace is when I visit my dads grave. After a few weeks of his passing. I purchased a name plate. I didn't want my dad's resting place to be to be recognised by merely a plot number. I also planted some flowers.

The following week I returned to find the name plate and border had been removed. The Council removed all name plates and any sentimental ornaments from all graves. I have been told the plants will also be removed. I met many other distraught family members at the cemetery.

The council want a lawned cemetery and will not allow anything other than a headstone. They are allowing fresh flowers but these will be binned after a week. They are not allowing any trees (which is understandable) but have also said no shrubs and plants. They have also said no sentimental ornaments can be placed on the grave. This is unlike the other parts of the cemetery.

I request you sign the petition so the Council will revisit and relax the very strict and unfair rules imposed on the new Muslim Section. I hope the council will realise the distress they are causing.

I also request that everyone, especially in Blackburn will raise awareness of this issue before it is too late. We need to make a stand now.

JazakAllah

Saimah