Protest hits out at ‘cruel’ cemetery rule
DISPUTE OVER ‘TRIBUTES’ LEFT NEXT TO GRAVES BOILS OVER INTO DEMONSTATION
PROTESTERS marched to demand council leaders overturn a ‘cruel’ decision to remove flowers and presents from graves.
Nearly 13,000 people have signed a petition called ‘Save our Loved Ones’ at Mill Lane Cemetery, in Cheadle, Stockport. And yesterday nearly 100 campaigners gathered outside Fred Perry House for a peaceful protest.
Furious relatives of people who are buried at the cemetery, on Manchester Road, say they should be allowed to place tributes in front of headstones.
But the council says this interferes with maintenance and has caused complaints from other plot holders. So, from September 1, they will enforce their existing policy and could remove items.
However, after a meeting, Gaynor Bradburn – who has visited her mum Catherine Dace’s grave at the cemetery for a decade – says there is new hope.
Gaynor, who also led the protest, said: “We met with the bosses of the cemetery and showed them video evidence of graves already having been cleared.
“They promised a full investigation. We just hope they can compromise and let us keep the beautiful tributes the way they have been since 1994.” Gaynor, 52, from Heaton Mersey, added: “We just want a little bit of space in front of the headstone, it really means a lot as there is nowhere else we can leave gifts. It is cruel what they are trying to do. It’s appalling. We’ve never had a problem before. I’ve been called by a very distressed lady saying they are taking stuff from her baby’s grave and an old lady heartbroken because her son’s grave is there.” Gaynor says the offer of ‘one or two’ items being left to the side of headstones is not practical because there is not enough space between plots. The Friends of Mill Lane Cemetery work closely with the council to keep the place tidy. A spokesman said: “Unfortunately, there are a small number of families who don’t maintain their grave in keeping with the lawn style that they agreed to. “We all need to work together to ensure we have a setting that is fair to everyone, offering the respect, dignity and tranquillity.” Coun Sheila Bailey, executive member for communities, said: “We understand people grieve in different ways, which can include leaving personal items around and along grave spaces. However, we have received complaints about this as it is against the cemetery’s rules.” Friends of Mill Lane Cemetery