An increase in ornaments around graves in Copeland has prompted the council to ask for people to remove them – or it will take them away.
The authority said the ornaments and ‘unauthorised’ borders are preventing it from properly maintaining the cemeteries and is asking people to remove them.
Items that have not been removed by April 15 will be moved into storage so that they can be collected by families.
Councillor Steven Morgan, executive member of Copeland Borough Council, said: “While we know some people like to add items around the grave, we have a responsibility to keep our cemeteries safe and respectful environments for all visitors.
“We have cemetery management rules to help with this, but lately there has been an increase in personal memorabilia and grave surrounds other than the headstone.
“This makes it very difficult to carry out essential maintenance at our traditional lawn cemeteries, so we’re asking families to remove them, or collect from us after April 15.”
Unauthorised items include glass items, candles, grave surrounds of any type, and any ornamental memorabilia aside from the headstone.
Items removed after April 15 will be stored in Whitehaven cemetery lodge for three months, during which families can collect them.
All belongings will be handled with care, stored securely and labelled to ensure items are handed back to the correct person, the council said.
Coun Morgan added: “We understand the sensitivity of this issue and our team will handle the items with the utmost respect.
“It is our priority to ensure our lawn cemeteries are kept to the highest standard, to create a restful environment for all. This step will help our team cut the grass and maintain graves efficiently.”
To contact the council’s bereavement services team, call 01946 598300 and press option 4, or email distingtonhalladmin@copeland.gov.uk
The full management rules are available here: https://www.copeland.gov.uk/attachments/management-rules
