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Controversial cemetery rules could change after families push for reform

By Lauren Monaghan, Junior Local Democracy Reporter

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Controversial Broxtowe cemetery rules could soon change to allow families to place tribute items within 2.5 feet of headstones after families pushed for reform.

Back in October 2024, a petition started by Broxtowe families impacted by council cemetery tribute item rules – called Save our Cemetery Gardens and Memorials-  gained nearly 1,000 signatures in its first week.

This was in response to a Broxtowe Borough Council cabinet decision in July 2024 leading to “unofficial surrounds” being removed from the borough’s cemeteries, starting with a January 2025 deadline at Chilwell Cemetery.

The council previously said the restrictions were based on maintenance difficulties, health and safety reasons and added the rules already existed.

Cabinet documents from 2009 confirm the rules were in place since then but the bereavement service only updated its ‘Notice of Interment’ forms in 2023 to note prohibited items.

The 2023 form states “no item of whatever description is allowed to be placed upon the actual grave space in the lawn and cremated remains area”, prohibiting items such as fencing, kerbing, bedding plants, vases, windmills, glass and alcohol.

In response to the controversy caused by the council’s decision, the Leader of the Council, Milan Radulovic (Brox Alliance) called a 12-month suspension on the rules in October 2024, allowing impacted families and the council to collaborate on finding a “common sense” approach to cemetery rules.

Now, an updated proposed set of rules, will be sent for approval at the authority’s next cabinet meeting following the local elections.

Proposals include those with existing grave plots – purchased before August 2023 – with decorations and memorial gardens already in place remaining as they are, in line with health and safety rules.

Suggested rules acknowledge health and safety hazards, such as alcohol, metal or spike fencing, large plants and glass, would have to be removed – even from graves bought prior to August 2023.

If approved, grave plots bought after August 2023 could be allowed to have tribute items within 2.5 feet from the front edge of the headstone plinth.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), cllr Milan Radulovic, said he is “strongly in favour” of the proposals.

He said: “The work [the families] have done is terrific, well thought through and it’s respectful and allows that freedom to express grief in a personal way, and shouldn’t interfere with the general workings of the cemeteries- particularly with health and safety.”

Cllr Radulovic added that he is hoping for a “reset” of the existing rules, saying: “We pile rules on top of rules and it becomes almost unworkable- it’s sensible, it shows a good cooperation and understanding between members of the public and the council.”

Lindsey Collins, whose son Josh Collins died in 2021 at the age of 19 and is buried in Beeston Cemetery, has been part of the collaborative group urging for change.

Lindsey told the LDRS: “I’m feeling loads better than what I was in October- I was mortified, thinking this is the end for us all with [memorial] gardens. It’s good the council have put the time in to listen to us.”

She added she is still “wary”, as the rules have not been formally approved yet, but is “grateful” the families have been listened to.

She added: “I always try stand up for what I believe in- unless you’ve been through what we’ve been through yourself, you won’t appreciate the small things is all you’ve got left, these gardens, the things you put on them.

“I just feel so happy I’ve been able to help people, given them that bit of peace back.”

Amendments could see small potted plants accepted, creating easy movement for cemetery staff working on neighbouring new plots – with families being notified of movements as soon as possible.

A three-strikes rule has been suggested, where the council may remove decorations from unmaintained plots who have been notified three times.

Involved families have been instructed to work with the council’s communications team to spread awareness of any new rules that come into place.

Cllr Radulovic says he has given officers the proposals for implementation, but any new rules are subject to approval in the next cabinet meeting.

The authority’s bereavement service said information supplied by the affected families is being reviewed so it cannot currently comment.