The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Grieving mum urges cemetery clean-up
Peaceful: Mess spoiling area meant to be haven to remember children
A Fife mother has urged Dundee council to clean up a cemetery, stating she wants a peaceful place to grieve for her children.
Clare Bremnar says Birkhill Cemetery has become unfit and is littered with “rotting toys and plants”.
She, and fellow bereaved parent, Aileen Baird from Dundee, have urged the council to maintain the land for “three or four years” but claim they have never received a reply.
Clare’s daughter Amy was born prematurely and died just three days later in 2003. She chose Birkhill because of its peaceful atmosphere.
She said Dundee City Council told her a number of rules existed, which included not leaving toys lying around and restrictions on headstone sizes.
However, over the years these rules have been ignored as the site is strewn with “toys and half-inflated balloons”.
Clare, who lives in Dunfermline, also lost two sons – Aiden and Cameron – and had their ashes scattered at Amy’s grave.
She said: “I’m not saying the clutter is the fault of the council but their lack of response is why this beautiful area is now an eyesore.
“When my daughter died we were so happy we found such a peaceful and beautiful place to come to visit.
“For two or three years these rules were followed and we got some comfort from visiting our little piece of heaven, but over the next few years these rules were ignored by some people.
“I understand everyone’s tastes are different, but I now feel this ground is neglected and the council are not doing anything to address it.
“I feel let down by the council, who seem to be ignoring complaints from parents.”
Aileen, who lost her daughter Sophie, said it is now a “stressful” place.
“The rules are on a notice board and if everyone would stick to the same rules then it wouldn’t be like this,” she said.
“We don’t want anyone to be hurt as it is a delicate subject, but we don’t even go to the graves anymore because of this, unless it’s an anniversary, and that’s really sad.”
The council has planned works at the grounds and say they sent letters, however, Clare and Aileen say they did not receive them.
A council spokesperson said: “The council is reviewing its rules and regulations for cemeteries.
“We wrote to families late last year explaining the council is planning environmental improvements to the baby area at Birkhill Cemetery.
“This will include works to the footpath and the surrounding landscape.
“Our intention is to create a dedicated area around each lair for memorabilia. This is intended to reduce the risk of damage to items and help with ongoing maintenance of the cemetery.
“We are keen to talk to families to discuss any concerns they may have and explain clearly how we want to closely work with them during this improvement project.”
I understand everyone’s tastes are different, but I now feel this ground is neglected and the council are not doing anything to address it. CLARE BREMNAR