Anger at removal of grave gifts

A grieving family said decorating the grave helped them cope with the loss

Bereaved families on Teesside have been told they can no longer adorn graves with toys and gifts due to a new council policy.

From April, those visiting cemeteries in Stockton will have to remove sentimental items so the council can landscape and install fencing.

Some grieving relatives said they have been left devastated by the decision.

A council spokesman said consultation had been carried out and this was part of their improvement plan.

Gillian Fish and daughter Lucy Anderson regularly visit and tend to the grave of Lucy's first child, Abigail, who died when she was five months old.

'Special garden'

Ms Fish said: "The toys and things that we give her are a way of showing our love. We can't take her to the park to feed the ducks, we can't take her for a walk or let her play in the garden.

"Leaving things at her graveside it our way of dealing with it and coming to terms with our loss."

Ms Anderson added: "Decorating it helps me a lot. To me it is not a grave, it's her special garden."

A council spokesman said: "We recognise how personal the issue of graves is for the bereaved and the importance of items of sentimental value placed there.

"The council carried out extensive consultation last year looking at a wide range of matters, including this issue.

"In order to maintain the safety of staff and visitors in Stockton's cemeteries we need to consider what can be placed on and around graves."