Families upset as tributes removed from graves at Yardley Cemetery

One image showed tributes left next to a "quality control" sign at Yardley Cemetery and Crematorium

An investigation has been launched amid claims staff at a cemetery and crematorium 'binned' sentimental ornaments left on graves.

The site in Yardley, Birmingham, has been criticised over its protocol of removing tributes, including toys and teddy bears, from children's graves.

One photo showed tributes left next to a sign which said the goods were removed due to quality control reasons.

Birmingham City Council has apologised for any distress caused.

Annmarie Walker, who recently visited, said on social media: "Yardley Cemetery is having its quality control of all ornaments.

"They have binned them all and this is all over the cemetery so, if you have anything, you only have a little bit of time to go and collect your loved ones' stuff before it's gone forever."

The photo from her showed tributes - including engraved hearts, teddies and solar lights - that had been left by the sign explaining why they had been moved.

Other goods were left in a silver cage at the Yardley Road site.

Anthony Smith said on Facebook: "It's a disgrace and disrespectful to all of us."

Natalie Williams, whose memorial tree was also removed, stated: "We couldn't afford a headstone for my Nan's plot so we planted a tree.

"I'm gutted. We don't have much but always tried to keep it nice."

A sign was pictured on 4 October and tributes were removed that week prior to a 16 October deadline

One sign stated: "Please note this is an Ashes Section. Fencing, kerbing, chippings/stones are not permitted.

"Please be aware that this is a formal notice to remove unauthorised items."

A council spokesperson said it apologised "for any distress that may have been caused to those visiting Yardley Crematorium recently".

They added bereavement services officers regularly "remove flowers and commemorative items from the lawns and grounds" and at other crematoria to ensure grass and memorial areas could be maintained effectively.

The spokesperson stated where items "are removed, notice is given" and they were kept by staff so families could collect them.

"Using a wire basket to store them is not normal practice and this was immediately removed. We are investigating how this issue arose."

They said the council was aware of concerns over removing a tree and this was "due to the tree collapsing and requiring an emergency response as a large part of the fallen tree was covering other graves".