Rules for tributes on graves may be reset after campaign

CONTROVERSIAL cemetery rules that would have meant tributes removed from graves could soon change after families pushed for reform.

- By LAUREN MONAGHAN Local democracy reporter

In October 2024, a petition started by Broxtowe families impacted by council cemetery rules - called Save our Cemetery Gardens and Memorials - gained nearly 1,000 signatures in its first week.

This was in response to a Broxtowe Borough Council cabinet decision in July leading to "unofficial surrounds" being removed from the borough's cemeteries, starting with a January 2025 deadline at Chilwell Cemetery.

The council previously said the restrictions were based on maintenance difficulties, health and safety reasons and added the rules already existed.

Cabinet documents from 2009 confirm the rules were in place since then but the bereavement service only updated its Notice of Interment forms in 2023 to note prohibited items.

The 2023 form states "no item of whatever description is allowed to be placed upon the actual grave space in the lawn and cremated remains area", prohibiting items such as fencing, kerbing, bedding plants, vases, windmills, glass and alcohol.