My mum passed away suddenly in 2019, and we ensured her memory was cherished by purchasing an ashes plot at St Barnabas Church in our beloved village of Littleborough, Lancashire. It is more than just a place of rest—it's a sanctuary where we celebrate missed birthdays, sit and talk, and bring flowers and trinkets as tokens of our everlasting love and remembrance.

Like me, many residents of this small and beautiful village have family members laid to rest in this churchyard, and friends visit their children and other loved ones here. It holds irreplaceable value and emotional significance to countless individuals and families in our community.

Recently, there have been distressing actions to remove personal and meaningful items from the graves and ashes plots here at St Barnabas Church. These mementos, whether they are a simple flower, a cherished trinket, or a heartfelt letter, are integral to how we remember and honor our loved ones. They symbolize our connection and the undying love we continue to hold for those who have passed.

The removal of these personal items not only disrespects the wishes of the families but also causes unnecessary heartache and a sense of loss all over again. We must come together to urge St Barnabas Church to halt this practice and respect the community's need to grieve and remember in their own personal and time-honored ways.

We believe that these beloved items should remain with the resting places of our loved ones. With your support, we can protect this sacred practice and maintain the dignity and sanctity of our local resting place. Please join us in our fight to preserve our cherished traditions and sign this petition.