Health & safety row at church

It is making me feel like I don’t want to take anything up there for fear it will be thrown away... Resident

THERE has been upset at a North Warwickshire cemetery after families were left disappointed when mementos placed on graves were moved and dumped.

The move to shift the lanterns, decorations and other keepsakes came amid concerns over health and safety.

Residents visiting the graves of loved ones at St Wilfrid’s Church, in Arley, say items were dumped beside a wall as part of a clean-up operation by the church.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “We are really sad about this.

“We had bought a lantern which we filled up with a candle each time we went to visit my nan, but when we went back last week it had disappeared.

“The next time we went a decorative heart we had bought had also been moved and we found it by the side of the church on a separate wall.”

The resident continued: “It is difficult enough to visit my nan’s grave, but when you go and find items have been removed, it makes it even harder.

“It is making me feel like I don’t want to take anything up there for fear it will be thrown away.

“I know that lots of people have had things removed, even some items off children’s graves.

“I understand if a grave is left unattended for months, but we visit my nan’s on a weekly basis and clear it up each time.”

Arley residents are calling on wardens at St Wilfrid’s Church to leave their loved ones’ graves alone Wardens and community group members at the church have stated they have been tidying up the churchyard and have had to remove certain items to ensure the safety of those who use the site.

Dave Baldwin, church wardensaid: “This is in no way personal and we are not doing this to offend or upset anybody, all we are doing is ensuring that the graveyard is a safe place for people to visit.

“We have had to move some lanterns that have gone a bit rusty or that have blown over because if there is someone running around it, it could cause injury.

“According to grave regulations there are certain things allowed and not allowed on graves and we have had to move some items that don’t comply.

“We have left them on the wall for people to repossess them, we haven’t taken them away.

“It is our job to ensure that the graveyard is fit and tidy for everyone.”