By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 15:05, Friday, 22 March 2013

Bereaved families have been thanked for their help in tidying up graveside memorials in Eden.

‘Fair’: Mary Robinson has thanked bereaved families

The council appealed for help after receiving complaints from some people about the condition of some of the graves in Alston and Penrith.

Some of the tributes and adornments had spread onto neighbouring graveside spaces, and decorative pebbles had spilled onto public grass spaces. The pebbles could have injured grounds maintenance staff who strim and cut the verges.

Mary Robinson, communities portfolio holder for Eden Council, said: “A few people have contacted the council, expressing their concerns about graveside tributes and adornments at cemeteries overlapping onto their families’ graveside spaces.

“While we appreciate the sensitive nature of this issue for families, we have to be fair and ensure graveside adornments and tributes comply with cemetery regulations, especially as we will soon be starting grass-cutting.”

She added: “We would like to thank the families and individuals who have already helped us to address this sensitive issue by tidying their graveside spaces.

“We recognise that the cemeteries are a source of civic pride and we work closely with local people to maintain these facilities to a high standard.”

Both Alston and Penrith cemeteries are currently Green Flag Award holders for their high environmental standards.

For more information on maintaining graveside spaces, phone the council’s assistant contracts officer on 01768 862152 or email penrith.cemetery@eden.gov.uk

First published at 14:57, Friday, 22 March 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk