A major shake-up of cemetery rules across Copeland will see most cars banned from graveyards and new restrictions on graveside ornaments.

The changes agreed this week come into force from April 1 are part of the first overhaul of crematorium and cemetery rules since 1979.

Council chiefs have insisted that the 40-year-old rules had been in “desperate need of review” to bring them into line with modern languages and practices.

They have also stressed that the rules have been agreed after “sensitive” consultation with funeral directors, bereavement support services, members of the public and town councils.

Under the plans agreed by the executive on February 12, cars will “generally” not be allowed in to the borough’s open cemetery sites on St Bees Road, Hensingham, Beckermet, Wasdale and St George’s Cemetery extension in Millom.

The move is intended to avoid damage to graves and paths caused by cars, though funeral directors and those with mobility problems will still be able to use their vehicles.

Families with new plots be asked to keep tributes and memorabilia to the headstone area rather than arranging them along the length of the grave.

It is hoped that the strictures will make it easier for grass-cutters, create a tidier space and will slash the risk of damage to mourners’ personal items.

Mayor Mike Starkie said: “We have reviewed best practice and guidance and ultimately this is about ensuring our cemeteries and crematorium are respectful, safe and tidy places to visit, with good access and good standards of access.

“In terms of memorabilia on graves, we are asking those who take out new plots to ensure all memorials are kept to the headstone rather than on the length of the grave itself.

“To be clear, we are not imposing this policy on families who already have graves. It is preferable that they keep memorials to the gravestones themselves and we may consider asking them to assist us in this way, but this policy will not be imposed on families against their wishes.

“The paths are simply not designed to be used by a lot of cars. Funeral cars are of course permitted, and those with mobility issues will certainly receive permission to use their vehicles. But by formalising the policy that cars are generally not permitted will help to avoid some of the damage that has been caused to paths and graves over the years.”

Concerned residents had flocked to two public meetings held last year but Mayor Starkie praised council officers for tackling fears “head on” and in a “sensitive way.”

“People left those meetings far happier than when they arrived, and I think we have got a result that everyone is pleased with,” the mayor said.

James Hunter, parks and open spaces manager, said the council now had something “workable” that supported staff with the management of cemetery sites.

The next step will see the authority raise awareness of the new rules and install signage across the cemetery sites.