Reminder on guidelines for Alnwick cemetery

In particular, families are being asked to remove some of the items which have been placed in and around the trees by October 18. Any remaining items after this date will be removed and stored for collection at the Cemetery Office.

The council is responsible for the upkeep of the cemetery and does not want to stop people putting items on graves, but needs to ask people to follow the cemetery guidelines with regard to ornaments and memorials.

The guidelines are sent out to local funeral directors to pass on and are on the town council’s website.

Coun John Humphries, chairman of the cemetery committee, said: “We understand how important it is for people to be able to remember and commemorate their loved ones, but feel that there needs to be a balance so that the cemetery is a safe place for everyone.

“Some cemeteries do not permit ornaments of any sort, even on graves, but the town council feels that this would be too extreme and prefers a sympathetic approach and are very happy for families to place items on the grave itself.”