Man Angered by Nottingham Council Removing Grave Tributes Unannounced

Paul Mason is upset with Nottingham Council. They removed tributes from his mom’s grave, and the council didn’t warn him. His mother, Brenda, died back in 1990 and was buried at Wilford Hill cemetery. Paul visits her grave every week.

He saw items missing on February 2nd including a plant box, bush, and light. These items were removed from her resting place. The council’s new policy, which started in October 2024, allows them to take away tributes without telling anyone.

Paul complained about the tribute removal, but council staff said notices were on display. Paul says no one reads those graveyard boards. He also saw tire marks on top of graves and blames the grounds team.

His father owned the plot, but he passed away and ownership wasn’t transferred to Paul. It expired around the year 2020. The council sent a letter about the changes to Paul’s dead father’s old address in October 2024.

Paul wonders why the council lacked common sense and didn’t try contacting family. He suggested they could have left a note at the grave. He questions why he’d tell them his dad died, as his dad wanted cremation, not burial, and asks why he would inform Wilford Hill.

He thinks the council mistreats graves and grievers, damaging graves and targeting caring people, making Paul feel uncared for. A manager responded in a “bolshy” and unsympathetic manner, which Paul found appalling. They cited their grave ownership policy.

It’s the principle that matters to Paul, who finds their actions diabolical and offensive and says they robbed him of peace and solace. He wanted to visit his mom on his birthday, but now it has marred his connection to the cemetery, leaving him heartbroken.

The Council appreciates the sensitivity of the situation and says they have discussed options with families for years. They have two types of graves there: some with headstones and kerbsets, and others with lawn graves and smaller kerbsets. Owners know memorial rules, outlined in the grave deed when purchased.

The council plans new grave spaces soon, which will require vehicles and equipment. Workers aim to be efficient and respectful. Weather made tracks more noticeable; affected areas will receive topsoil and grass seed, and officials plan to fully restore the spots.