Repton Parish Council is aware of the concerns expressed following the recent removal for storage of items from the parish burial ground on Monsom Lane.
We recognise that graves are deeply personal places of remembrance and that the flowers, ornaments, and other tributes placed there are expressions of love and affection. We understand that their removal can be upsetting.
The work was undertaken to implement the Council’s existing Burial Ground Regulations, which are intended to ensure that the cemetery remains safe, accessible, and properly maintained for all visitors, while enabling essential maintenance to take place.
Before the programme of clearance, the Council issued a public notice explaining the regulations, the items permitted and the proposed arrangements for removal, storage, and collection. The intention was to give families and friends an opportunity to remove items that did not comply before the Council undertook the work. Unfortunately, there is no database of contacts for the graves in the cemetery so no way to share the information.
The Council recognises that, despite efforts to communicate the arrangements, the impact of the clearance has caused distress to some people. We are sorry that families have been upset and do not underestimate the strength of feeling this has generated.
Councillors were pleased to have the opportunity to meet with a group of concerned relatives at the Repton Parish Council meeting on Monday 9th November and to listen to the issues raised around the removal of items on graves. Arrangements were made for people to collect stored items by contacting the Clerk with contact names/details of plots. Other relatives who wish to collect stored items are asked to contact the Clerk.
A further meeting is planned for Tuesday 17th November at 7:30pm in the Repton Village Hall so a dialogue can be formed to provide a way forward which is sensitive to the wishes of the relatives whilst maintaining the necessary safety aspects.
Our intention has never been to diminish anyone’s memories or the importance of their loved ones. We remain committed to maintaining the burial grounds with dignity, sensitivity, and respect.