Anger at strict new rules about graveyard plots (From Evesham Journal)

Anger at strict new rules about graveyard plots

9:34am Thursday 18th October 2012 in News

VILLAGERS in Pinvin, near Pershore, are up in arms about plans to make them remove items from the graves of their loved ones.

In a letter posted at St Nicholas Church, the Rev Kenneth Crawford said some graves had been turned into “elaborate gardens”.

It calls for relatives to remove “kerbs, edging, rails, chippings, trees, shrubs, bedding plants, flowerpots, vases, figures, toys and other memorial objects”.

It says changes are necessary because it has become difficult to cut the grass using a mower and some visitors have complained about the length of the grass.

Robin Smith, aged 63, and his brother Jim Smith, 61, are among those left upset at the church’s intention to enforce strict rules governing the appearance of graves.

Their parents Bob and Anne, brother Barry and friends are among those buried at St Nicholas. Robin said: “There are good families who have people buried there. And this is disrespectful to them. Why are they imposing this now? It’s only so the church can get the mower between the graves. Before they changed the mower contractor there was never a problem.”

Audrey Cox, 73, has buried her husband, her daughter and her daughter-in-law at the churchyard.

“It’s a disgrace,” she said.

“Why mess it up when it has been fine for years?”

The Archdeacon of Worcester, Roger Morris, said: “There are rules for what is and isn’t allowed in church graveyards to ensure they remain special and proper places which give dignity to all who are buried there.

“Unfortunately, the graveyard in Pinvin is proving to be very difficult to maintain and so we are asking for co-operation to ensure that it can be looked after properly.

“The churchwardens have been handling the consultation in a very sensitive and responsible manner and have been working to reach as many users of the churchyard as possible.

“We would be very pleased to talk to anyone who has any suggestions or concerns about the issue.”