Thousands Sign Graves Petition

24 June 2014, 17:33 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Over 5,000 people have signed a petition to let family members keep ornaments on their childrens' graves.

Torfaen Council has apparently told people that items like pinwheels and solar lights have to removed because it makes them look like a "funfair".

Fiona Morris lost her son 3 years ago. She said: "I had a text from a friend with a photo of my son's grave with all my items removed. 

"I had no previous warning that this was going to happen and when I phoned to find out the situation I was told the items had been taken to the tip.

"It's the only place I can go to visit my son with my other children so I'm quite disheartened the fact they have done this."

Kirsty McCarthy is also part of a group calling for rules to be overturned: "The council are seeing it as plot numbers but it's not, it's children.

"I'm fighting for every single child here because if i don't stand up for them then who will."

The petition is calling for the local authority to overturn it's decision to remove items from children's graves.

Cllr John Cunningham, the executive member with responsibility for cemeteries said:

“We fully understand the need for families to grieve and express their love for those who have passed away, and appreciate that the personalisation of graves is a very sensitive issue.

“In recent months, over-personalisation has been raised as a concern from cemetery visitors, and we need to ensure the policy on personalisation of graves is consistent and adhered to in all four cemeteries.”

“Although we have made a significant effort to inform residents of our intentions, we apologise if applying the rules in this targeted manner has upset families.”