Trinkets can stay on Sutton graves after removal fear

Sentimental items will no longer be removed from graves at a cemetery after a Sutton man led a campaign to stop it.
Personal items can now be left on graves at Sutton Cemetery, pictured is kier BarsbyPersonal items can now be left on graves at Sutton Cemetery, pictured is kier Barsby
Personal items can now be left on graves at Sutton Cemetery, pictured is kier Barsby

Kier Barsby, aged 48, said a plan which would remove items such as teddy bears, toys and trinkets from the graves at Sutton Cemetery, was “insensitive and not thoughtful at all”.

The Warnadene Road resident takes his mum every Sunday to the cemetery on Huthwaite Road where his father was buried 10 years ago.

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He said: “My father would have been heartbroken to see an insensitive attempt to clean up our graves in this heavy-handed manner.

“There are little toy cars, plastic ornaments, teddies, dolls and trinkets that have been in our cemeteries for decades – maybe longer.

“For some people it is their way of remembering.

“Grief can be expressed in different ways – the days of urns and carved angels are in the past. This is especially true of parents who have lost a child.

“There’s a growing trend for graves to be festooned with toys, hanging baskets, plastic ­ornaments, trinkets, balloons, wind-chimes and even cricket and football shirts.

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“The people of this district have a right to take comfort in mourning in whatever manner they see fit.”

The Ashfield Independents-run Ashfield District Council has now reversed the plan put in place by the previous Labour administration.

Mr Barsby said he tried to contact the previous administration about the changes, but to no avail.

He contacted Councillor Helen-Ann Smith, after she became the deputy leader of the council.

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Se said: “He was quite rightly appalled at the orignal plans.

“I stopped the plans that would have caused heartache for so many relatives across our district.”

Mr Barsby has also welcomed the council’s decision to collect all mown grass, which was not done before.

He said: “I complained to the council after taking a couple bin liners of grass from my father’s grave.

“I like going to visit and want it looking its best.”