Anger over removal of tributes at Valleys graveyard (From South Wales Argus)

Anger over removal of tributes at Valleys graveyard

6:20pm Sunday 12th February 2012 in News By Alison Sanders

GRIEVING families say they are heartbroken after Caerphilly council removed chippings, flower pots, lanterns and other tributes from graves at Bedwellty Cemetery.

Several relatives called the Argus in tears after finding their loved ones' graves had been altered and said items had been smashed.

Jason Edwards, 38, from Argoed, visits the graves of his mum and dad, Eileen and Reg Edwards, at Bedwellty Cemetery every week.

He said three flower pots he had placed on his parents' graves had been removed and thrown in recycling boxes.

He said: "It's absolutely disgusting. It looked like a bomb had hit here.

"We've been told signs were up, but we should have had a letter. A lot of people are very upset by this."

Lisa Huxley, from Oakdale, said only one section of the cemetery had been affected so far involving around 50 graves.

This included the grave of her nephew Ryan who died suddenly six years ago aged 21.

She visits the cemetery every day and said his grave had been "stripped" of the surround and some of the other items placed on it. She said: "They've acted in a very barbaric way. They basically told me you have paid for the six feet underneath, but not the land on top."

Ms Huxley added: "It's just devastating. Grown men were crying in the grave yard on Thursday. Caerphilly council should bow their heads in shame."

Linda Smith, from Cefn Fforest, visits her son Gavin Smith's grave three times a day and said she was screaming when she saw the grass had been torn up.

She said she lights a candle every night and said the little lantern had been thrown in a bucket.

"It's disgusting. I feel my boy's a pauper," she said.

Caerphilly council told the Argus it has adopted a lawn grave policy in its cemeteries to make sure there is a consistent approach to the appearance of the plots.

A spokesman said this policy has been in place for a number of years and that there are signs at all of its ten cemeteries advising relatives about this.

He said: "If inappropriate structures or items are placed at the graveside, the council removes them and stores them in a secure place for collection by the family."