MEMORIAL benches could be banned from Newport cemeteries under a city council proposal because they make mowing the grass difficult.

Newport city council bosses could introduce the new measures banning the benches as early as next week, although existing benches can stay.

As well as causing problems with mowing, the local authority says existing benches in the city are becoming dangerous because they are not being maintained. It also says they are taking up too much space, making cemeteries look cluttered, and are a target for vandals.

The proposal, which comes after the council limited the number of toys allowed on top of graves, has sparked outrage in the community.

Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of the city's Conservative group, is demanding a meeting with the man behind the plan, Councillor Ray Truman. The cabinet member for community safety and sustainability could make it policy on Monday.

"It seems petty, over the top and completely unnecessary," said Councillor Evans. "It's taking away people's liberty. It also has an impact on the elderly and infirm."

Councillor Evans believes the best option would be to allow people to buy benches providing they replace them every ten years.

"If they are not renewed or replaced then they can be taken away," he said. Reverend Jennifer Mole, of St Thomas Church, Maesglas, said she was against the plan.

"People choose to have loved ones buried in a cemetery and then want to sit down and remember them," she said. "I don't think they should be banned."

Defending the plan, a council spokesman said existing benches would be allowed to remain and that they would still be welcome in parks.

"Like most authorities in the country, the council has to address the issue of declining space in our cemeteries, and while no decision on memorial benches has yet been taken, we have a duty to safeguard scarce burial space," he said.

"As part of the restoration of Belle Vue Park, we will be making special provision for memorial benches."