RICHARD PARR A town's Rector has called for sensitivity by a town council in its issuing of enforcement rules to families regarding the "dressing" of their relative's graves.

RICHARD PARR

A town's Rector has called for sensitivity by a town council in its issuing of enforcement rules to families regarding the "dressing" of their relative's graves.

Fakenham Town Council has become concerned that rules of the town's two cemeteries are being broken with the creation of gardens on plots including planing shrubs, and the use of shingle and slate to decorate the graves.

It is to send out letters to the families whose relatives graves are in the two cemeteries.

Town clerk Christine Harrow said ; "The Town Council wishes to extend its sympathies to relatives but, as from July 1, the rules for the cemeteries will be enforced."

Mrs Harrow points out in particular all graves are to be kept flat and level with adjoining ground. Grave mounds will be removed after a reasonable period for resettlement.

Jam jars, milk bottles or similar jars will not be allowed on graves and the Council reserves the right to remove them, she said.

But the Rector of Fakenham, the Rev Adrian Bell, says that there is a need for such an issue to be handled with great sensitivity.

He said that families need to grieve for their loved ones and for some, creating a garden at the grave, is a way of doing this for a period of time.

"I would suggest that if families are upset over this issue they can contact me and I will meet them at the cemetery with the town clerk and we can talk about it," he said.

Mrs Harrow said that if anyone has queries or concerns about the matter they should contact her on 01328 850104.