Grave stones at West Moors Cemetery to be cleared of tributes

The town council has asked that grave plots at West Moors Cemetery are cleared of ornaments, photo frames and any other tribute items ahead of an inspection on April 1.

The request has faced backlash from residents, with many signing a petition to stop the clear-out.

Donna Turner, aged 37, has family members buried at the cemetery.

She told the Journal: “I don’t really know why they are expecting everyone to take off their ornaments. It just seems a bit shocking to be honest.

West Moors Cemetery off Priory Road (Image: NQ)

“My cousin’s baby is buried there, and they have things there like teddy bears. I think it’s a bit heartless that they think its ok to come along and throw them away.”

Many residents found out about the town council’s request through a notice placed at the cemetery, which is located off Priory Road. 

It reads: “West Moors Town Council will be carrying out an inspection on Saturday, April 1 at 10am.

“Please collect all ornaments, tributes, receptacles, glass/ceramic, solar lights, frames etc that you wish to keep. All items that do not conform to the current regulations will be removed.”

The notice at the cemetery (Image: NQ)

Anna Mercer is another West Moors resident deeply saddened by the notice. She said: “I’ve got a lot of family there and I’ve been going there since I was a child. It’s heart-breaking.

“Things like solar lights - they’re not causing any harm at all. I guess a lot of families don’t want to feel like their loved ones are left in the dark.”

Anna has now launched a petition to “save the families of West Moors” and stop the clear up from going ahead.

She and other residents also plan to visit the cemetery for the inspection at 10am on April 1 to guard the items on their families’ gravestones.

Anna said: “We’ve all got family and friends down there, so I thought it was time someone did something about it.”

West Moors Town Council said: “We have recently been approached by some visitors to the cemetery about the appearance of some graves that need attention, hence the decision to hold a tidy up of the entire area.

“We have carried out these tidy ups many times before and the recent notice about the tidy up was not meant in any way to offend or upset, it was for information to let those who visit the cemetery know what is going on."

The council said the main intention is to remove broken and damaged items. 

It added: “It would be most unlikely that any ornaments or tributes on graves would be removed, but if they were, it would be noted, and the deed of grant owner contacted and asked to collect the items.

“The council would never dispose of people’s property without making efforts to contact them.”

The Town Clerk said: “All that is wished for is to have a well maintained, peaceful, tidy cemetery that people can come to, to reflect and pay their respects.”