Grave rules 'don't go far enough' after review

Sharna Andrews was told to remove a decorative fence around her seven-year-old son's grave

Plans to change the rules around what can put on graves in Gloucester have been criticised by a grieving mum.

In October, Sharna Andrews was told to remove a colourful picket fence around her seven-year-old son Harry-Lee's grave.

Gloucester City Council has now proposed new regulations, including different options for plot borders.

But Ms Andrews said she was "shocked" to learn they were "basically exactly the same".

The review includes expanding the border options for a grave. Families were previously only allowed granite, but would now be allowed concrete too. Wooden or plastic fencing would still not be allowed.

Harry-Lee's family had painted a wooden fence in bright colours in his memory

Other changes include the graves being grass seeded once the grave has settled – around a year after burial - and at the moment they are turfed.

Shrubs will no longer be allowed on graves and any ornaments or planting higher then 3ft (91cm) will be removed.

The review comes after criticism that graves are sinking due to mini diggers driving over the graves.

Ms Andrews, whose son died of a severe asthma attack, said the proposals didn't go far enough.

"I was quite shocked because I was expecting a slight change to be a bit lenient and put people's feelings into consideration when they lose somebody so close to them.

'Very emotive'

"The changes are basically exactly the same as the last rules and regulations, just slightly reworded," she explained.

"It's the only place I can go to put things that reminds me of my son. Somewhere I can dedicate a spot for him."

The proposals will now be presented to the public who can have their say.

A follow up report to agree the final rules will be bought forward in March.

Councillor Hannah Norman, deputy leader of Gloucester City Council said: "The reasons why we can't go as far as they want us to is about maintenance of the site. It needs to be accessible for diggers to move in and out of the graves.

"We appreciate that may be very emotive for families because they don't like the thought of that happening.

"Unfortunately the grave ground is so hard, we're unable to dig those by hand."