Bereaved relatives have spoken of their shock after being told to remove ‘illegal’ flowers and keepsakes from their loved ones’ memorials – and have attracted the support of local politicians.
Borough councillor Judith Williams, portfolio holder for bereavement services, said she would bring the issue of graveside dedications up at the next SABC cabinet meeting after being contacted by a number of upset people.
And town MP Daniel Kawczynski has pledged to hold a meeting between residents and crematorium bosses in a bid to find an amicable solution.
Last week, the Chronicle reported on what grieving families have described as a ‘senseless’ decision to ban all ornaments, flowers and shrubs from the Chaffinch memorials in Emstrey Crematorium, except for a single flower vase.
Karen Surridge, whose father’s ashes are buried there, told the Chronicle this week: “Our family is absolutely disgusted and we are not going to accept it. We have requested that they respectfully leave our plot alone until something is resolved.”
Letters were sent out last week by Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council, which owns and maintains the crematorium, asking for the items to be removed by September 16 after, a number of complaints claiming the area was untidy.
Mo Pullen, whose mother is laid to rest there, said: “Why is it only now that they’re going to stop people putting anything other than flowers in a vase?
“It’s the dying cut flowers that look untidy not the plants and flowers in pots which are more economical and longer lasting.”
Jenny Bounds, 60, of Hanwood, who buried the ashes of her husband, Mervyn, 58, in the Chaffinch area, said: “I’m very upset as my four daughters and I have managed that grave there for over two years. I can’t see any sense in removing these ‘illegal’ items to be quite honest and no one has ever complained to me .”
Councillor Mrs Williams said: “We have got to try to find a happy medium where everyone’s wishes are accommodated without interfering with the maintenance of this immaculate facility. When people are bereaved they aren’t really inclined to read the small print of regulations.”
She said that after the matter had been discussed by cabinet it was likely that a small working group would be formed who would issue a report based on findings of documentation, site visits and by speaking to those affected.
Mr Wraith said: “We’re not insensitive to people’s emotions but we are aware that standards need to be maintained. We will not be diving in to remove items on September 16 but for those people who have already responded, even if they didn’t want to, we appreciate what they have done and we hope everyone will follow.”
“Since December we have only had two members of staff working at Chaffinch when there should have been four. We now have four people in post and we can start addressing a number of issues about the management of the crematorium.”
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