Outrage as families told to remove tributes from Pershore Cemetery

A sign has gone up at Pershore Cemetery stating that all non-floral items must be removed from the site or risk being taken away.

This has been met with disgust from those who have family and friends buried there.

Pershore resident Connie Massey said: “Why can’t people celebrate the ones that have passed in the way they so wish?

“I like seeing people celebrate their loved ones with windmills and flowers and whatever else they have.”

Kevin Hurdman, from Harvington, said: “My family always purchase four wooden crosses in aid of the poppy appeal every year and place them on my grandad’s grave in memory of him, my dad and his brothers.

“I wonder if this will be now disallowed?”

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The sign that went up at Pershore Cemetery (Image: Alex Morrison)

The sign, placed by the Town Council, says that non-floral tributes go against the council regulations and Diocesan rules.

As such, they must be removed by June 30.

The Mayor of Pershore, councillor Matthew Winfield, also opposes the notice.

He said: “I don't agree with the policy, nor have I ever supported it.

“It is inhumane and callous, and ought to be repealed.

“The council needs to start listening to the people of Pershore, the people whom it's supposed to serve.”

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Having liaised with the cemetery committee, Pershore Town Council has now confirmed that a new sign with different wording will be erected tomorrow (Wednesday, April 26).

It will read: “Pershore's cemetery is a cherished backdrop to special moments and memories. 

“That's why our grounds teamwork to maintain the space in good, safe order. 

“Their work, and that of individuals tending graves, is sometimes hampered by items of varying size and number placed around graves in honour of loved ones.

“When people find it difficult or risk falls in getting around the grave they are tending, they understandably express concern to the Town Council. 

“When the grounds team find similar difficulties or risk damage to machinery, then repairs cost time and money.”

It continues: “That's why we kindly ask families to; continue to keep all flowers, vases and wreaths within the confines of the grave space, but; to collect by June 30th 2023, all other items you may have placed on or around a grave. 

“We're mindful of the impact that changes of such a sensitive nature can have and act only because of the difficulties stated.

“Whilst regulations enable removal of items that we ask people to take away themselves, let's not go there when - with sensitive consideration for others - we can help our cemetery space work for all.”