Grimsby mum devastated after being told to remove a memorial to her son
The council says the plastic memorial could easily be damaged
Last updated 6th Sep 2023
A Grimsby mum says she's been left disappointed and deeply upset after she was told to remove a memorial to her son.
Callum died before he reached his first birthday.
North East Lincolnshire council have said the display must go due to it being made from plastic - which they say can become easily damaged and sharp.
Leanne Thompson spoke to us about the situation.
"It's absolutely disgusting, it's absolutely heartless and heartbreaking."
"How can anyone just pick on a little boy's memorial and have the right to say - we don't want it here."
I was heartbroken at the fact they turned around and said it needs to be removed
"At the end of the day we pay for our plots - why can't we have a nice resting place."
"I received a letter in the morning and when I opened it my heart just went in my mouth - I just started sobbing."
"I was heartbroken at the fact they turned around and said it needs to be removed or they will remove it."
"It means everything to me - Callum absolutely loved Iggle Piggle."
"He was my chunky blue eyed boy - he'd always thrown his arms and legs about when Iggle Piggle came on the telly."
"It's bright - its colourful and it gives me comfort as well to go down there and to know he's got a nice resting place."
Here's North East Lincolnshire Council's statement in full.
The council says - we have invited the family to speak with us to discuss this sensitive matter further
“Our staff are always willing to help families with any enquiries about cemetery regulations and how they apply to a loved one’s grave.
“The regulations have been in place for many years and it’s important that we treat all grave owners equally when dealing with such sensitive matters.
“All memorials must be installed by a registered monumental mason and comply with British Standards.
“This memorial is made of plastic, which quickly deteriorates and becomes brittle. In the past, we’ve found these memorials are easily damaged and when they break, they are very sharp.
“An application needs to be submitted and permission given in writing before a memorial can be installed.
They also need to be insured.
“It can be upsetting when we ask someone to change a loved one’s grave and we have invited the family to speak with us to discuss this sensitive matter further.”
In addition there are more details about petitions and how we consider them on our website at www.nelincs.gov.uk/your-council/public-involvement/petitions/