Relief as long dispute over new rules for cemetery memorials is settled

FAMILIES HAD FEARED THAT GRAVESIDE ITEMS WOULD BE REMOVED

- By JOE LOCKER Local democracy reporter

Lindsey Collins, left, with other members of the Friends of Broxtowe Cemeteries group after the meeting

BEREAVED families who have been in a “long-winded” battle over a council’s proposal to impose new rules on their loved ones’ graves say they are relieved after the dispute came to a conclusion.

Broxtowe Borough Council had been proposing to put in place restrictions on memorial items on graves across its cemeteries due to health and safety and maintenance reasons, but the planned changes prompted significant concerns.

The dispute over whether family members should be allowed to place memorial items and gardens on graves has been ongoing since October 2024, when those impacted started a petition opposing planned tribute restrictions.

Council leader Councillor Milan Radulovic called a 12-month suspension on all rules to determine a “common sense” approach, but families have been left in limbo ever since due to anumber of delays.

The battle came to a conclusion at a meeting of senior councillors yesterday, where new rules, and amendments tabled by families, were approved. It was agreed memorial items on all new graves must be placed within one-metre of the headstone plinth.

Meanwhile, the families managed to get passed a compromise for older or reopened graves, which will not be required to adhere to the new one-metre rule for tribute items and will be allowed to remain as they are.

The council also agreed to hold discussions with families over increasing the number of celebration days, during which a small amount of additional decoration is allowed, including for Mothering Sunday and Father’s Day.