'It's grave-robbing' claim after family's wreath is removed
EREWASH Borough Council has been accused of "grave robbing" by Labour group leader Howard Griffiths after a family had a wreath removed from Ilkeston cemetery.
Labour Councillor Michelle Booth was contacted by an 80-year-old Ilkeston resident who had put a Christmas wreath on a grave but had been shocked to receive a note stating that all wreaths would be removed by January 6.
Mr Griffiths said: "This horrendous behaviour shows that the council is entirely insensitive. Most people thought that grave-robbing was a thing of the past."
Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council's lead member for culture and leisure, said he was aware of the sensitivity surrounding the subject.
He said: "We hope that visitors appreciate that it is important to reach a balance between respecting relatives wishes and keeping cemeteries clean and tidy for all mourners.
"The council, whilst having a duty to maintain our cemeteries, always asks staff to err on the side of caution when judging if floral arrangements or wreaths need to be removed."
7 Comments
by Hotlush
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 8:58PM
“@JulieFulep and Dezza12; reading comprehension not high on the school curriculum for you?
Councillor Booth and Mr Griffiths are two different people.
On one hand we have people moaning local councillors don't do anything when matters are brought to their attention, and now we have people moaning councillors are doing something.
The over-the-top language of describing it as "grave robbing" doesn't help though.”
by Dezza12
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 8:06PM
“Councillor Michelle Booth - get real!”
by msmizzo
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 6:38PM
“When I put flowers on my loved ones grave, I expect them to be removed when they're dead, not left until I make my next visit. I only visit my Gt Grandparents grave twice a year and it would look an awful mess if the ground-keepers didn't remove them.”
by GRIFFITHS81
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 5:32PM
“This was a genuine complaint from an elderly bereaved person who was very upset because the wreath had been removed. The idea of making it a Party Political issue is novel to say the least. We just want to make sure people feel respected and listened to when they are aggrieved. Sad that some commenters are so obviously Party Politically obsessed.”
by JulieFulep
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 3:15PM
“Seems Councillor Booth has been brain robbed!”
by eric9629
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 1:17PM
“Get real MR Griffiths, if the council didn't remove them some would be on there till nest Christmas .”
by Dave_Nottm
Tuesday, February 07 2012, 12:56PM
“'Grave robbing' means stealing any valuables buried with the body, or the body itself for medical research. Removing a wilted wreath is 'tidying'. More stupid Socialist hysteria.”