Grieving families hit out at Copeland Council decision to remove items from graves at Whitehaven Cemetery

Copeland Council announced last week that ornaments and unauthorised borders need to be removed from graves in Whitehaven Cemetery, to allow the grounds to be 'properly maintained'.

But a public backlash ensued with hundreds of people signing a petition against the decision and obscene graffiti was scrawled on a building inside the cemetery grounds.

Copeland Council has condemned the vandalism of the cemetery building, calling it 'utterly appalling'.

The authority has now organised a number of public meetings to listen to people's concerns.

Alicia Hanlon, 25, of Mirehouse in Whitehaven, whose baby boy Theo is buried in the cemetery, said the announcement came as a 'huge personal and emotional blow' to her family.

She said: "We visit our son's grave weekly, and during the summer our three young children come with us, as we have explained this is their garden where they can sit and talk to their angel brother.

"We let them put small statues, plants, pictures, cards, anything to let them say hello to him.

"We don't go there to cry anymore, we go there as a family and include Theo as the older brother he would have been. It is a place where we can talk about him, dream about what might have been.

"The grave is also visited by his grandparents, great grandparents, all who like to leave their own mementos on his eternal bedside.

"Being able to display a family's emotions in this way should not have to be locked away in a decrepit old lodge, or with the fear it may be thrown in the bin.

"Some pieces have been made especially with his name on by members all across the family. It was a shocking, heartbreaking loss.

"In the past we have said we would happily cut the grass on his grave, as items have been broken in the past. We regularly clean and polish the headstone and keep the area clean and tidy.

"We don't have the amenity of a children's cemetery where toys, lights, balloons, and self expression are allowed, like many other councils offer. The babies are sleeping with everyone else.

"The death of a child takes a huge toll on a family. Taking away their expression of grief is just wrong, unkind and cruel.

"I would urge that Copeland Council re-think their decision, especially for those of us who visit regularly and look after our plots."

Lynn Parkin, of Mirehouse, whose mother is buried at the cemetery, said: "I was so upset to read about this on Facebook. It's a disgrace to tell us that we have to remove our loved ones' personal items and flower pots.

"My mam's have been on 18 years and it's hard enough to have to deal with the loss of someone so special without a decision like this made for us without our input. The council should be ashamed of themselves.

"They don't even have to go near my mam's grave as we have always cut it and kept it tidy ourselves."

A spokesperson for Copeland Council said: “It was utterly appalling to see the gratuitous vandalism in Whitehaven cemetery which appeared over the weekend.

ANGER: Graffiti has been scrawled on a building at Whitehaven cemetery

"It is disgraceful that grieving families come to pay their respects and are met with offensive and derogatory messaging.

"Our employees, in carrying out their duties, don’t deserve this either, many of them have loved ones buried in our cemeteries.

“It is unacceptable and has been reported to the police. We understand there is strong feeling around this subject but there will never be a time where this mindless act is acceptable.

"Our staff will work hard to remove the offensive graffiti to restore the cemetery to a tranquil place of reflection for all those wishing to visit and pay their respects.”

Elected Mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie said: “I have seen the comments on social media and the emails that have been sent to the council and I thank those who took the time to let us know how they feel. The council is also aware of the petition that is circulating.

“Our cemeteries are lawn cemeteries. We need to be able to cut the grass and maintain them to a high standard for all, and unfortunately this is proving increasingly difficult to do.

"I know how much the graves of loved ones mean to their family and friends and we welcome floral tributes all year round.

"I am planning to hold the following public meetings to listen to people’s concerns. Thursday, March 24, 6pm, at the Millom Network Centre Friday, March 25, 4pm, at The Beacon Portal Whitehaven.

“At 6pm on Friday I will also be holding a Facebook live question and answer session. If you have any questions please email elected.mayor@copeland.gov.uk by 5pm.”