Glocs mum told to remove fence around son’s grave
She has until November 16 to remove the decoration - as councillors are due to discuss a motion which calls for a review of the cemetery rules and regulations
Last updated 6th Nov 2023
A Gloucester mother has been told she has to remove a decorative fence placed around her late son’s grave.
Sharna Andrews, 29, from Tredworth, says it is unfair that she can’t keep the small fence which she and one of her daughters painted around her late son’s grave.
Her seven-year-old son Harry-Lee Andrews-Tomlinson died last year after suffering a severe asthma attack.
In recent months, Ms Andrews has since “brightened up” her son’s grave but she has now been told the fence has to go.
She said she did not realise the fence would not be allowed and says the rules of Gloucester Cemeteries and Crematorium are unfair.
“When you’re grieving, looking into the rules is not something you think of,” Ms Andrews said.
“It’s all just a bit overwhelming and receiving that letter has affected myself and my daughter.
“I will do whatever I can to fight this for my children. I’ve had my son taken away and now I’m having the rights of his garden taken away from us!”
There has been no issue with a wooden bench which she purchased to place near the grave, she added.
“I think they don’t like it because they aren’t making any money out of it.”
She received a letter a few weeks ago telling her to remove it by October 27. However, she has since been given a reprieve until November 16.
This is because city councillors are due to discuss a motion which calls for a review of the cemetery rules and regulations.
Councillors Alastair Chambers (I, Matson, Robinswood and White City) and Brendon O’Donnell (I, Matson, Robinswood and White City).
“I was shocked and saddened to hear that the City Council’s rules and regulations at the crematorium and cemetery were so rigid and strict, that they sent even more letters to 12 families advising them that they were removing precious items and decorations from their beloved ones’ graves,” Cllr Chambers said.
“I was appalled to find that these graves included those of young children where toys and precious gifts were placed. One grave was decorated by a young boy’s sister, it was her way of connecting to her dead brother.
“She decorated the grave so beautifully with his favourite football team and colours and placed a pretty decorative border around his grave which she individually painted each post and rail.
“I was disgusted to find out that Gloucester City Council had sent the boy’s mother a letter warning her that if the grave was not altered, they will remove her son’s belongings and the beautiful decorative edging.”
A spokesperson for Gloucester City Council said it was understood that grieving is a difficult time for families, and that the authority does not want to cause any further distress.
The spokesperson said a 2ft by 3ft border can be left in front of each headstone if families wish to allow them to place items that are in line with the cemetery’s rules and regulations, which are issued to all families following the burial.
But these have to be approved by a stonemason so they can maintain the ground without risk of damaging it or posing a health and safety risk.
“The rules and regulations for Gloucester Crematorium have been put in place since August 2014 and are in line with those in place in other cemeteries and graveyards around the country.
“All families are asked to sign up to these at the time of burial and copies are then sent to them to retain.
“We do not allow families to place boardings, kerb sets or chippings on graves unless they are approved by a stonemason, as it allows the ground to be maintained without risk of damaging any plastic or wooden surrounds placed there and protects the health and safety of workers and visitors.”