Family Distress Over Grave Alterations at Streetly Cemetery
A woman from Walsall expressed her distress after the raised edging and soil mound on her father's grave were removed.
"My dad's mound has been flattened. That is a disgrace, that has really upset me. It's shocking, very emotional, very hurt by what I've seen,"
said Shazia Kausar.
She is among several local residents disputing Walsall Council's regulations concerning graves at Streetly Cemetery.
Council's Position on Grave Regulations
The council stated that its policy is not aimed at any specific group and that families receive advance notice to take action before any items are removed.
The disagreement between local families and Walsall Council dates back to 2019, when the council prevailed in a legal case against a man who sought to install a marble edging around his father's grave.
Families have explained that raised edgings and soil mounds serve to prevent people from walking on burial sites.
Since February, the council has been conducting routine inspections and safety checks across cemeteries.
A council spokesperson described the removal of "unauthorised grave surrounds and borders" as part of a "long-standing" policy aimed at maintaining fairness and consistency in cemetery regulations.
Community Response and Concerns
Campaigner Mehboob Matloob, whose brother is interred at the cemetery, commented on the recent enforcement actions.
"A couple of weeks ago they started enforcing, we got calls from relatives to say the flower-beds and edging, had been taken off.
The question is, after seven years, you've decided to enforce something that you could have enforced from day one?"
Other families with relatives buried at the cemetery have reported limited communication from the council.
Imran Ahmed, whose uncle was buried at the cemetery in 2023, stated:
"The fact is we weren't made aware. We still haven't had a letter come through to us.
I'm hearing from other people that they have had letters, were given 28 days and I'm just dreading this letter coming."
Council Leadership Comments
Elaine Williams, leader of Walsall Council, emphasized the council's responsibilities.
"The council has a duty to ensure all cemeteries are safe, accessible and maintained consistently for everyone who visits.
This is not a new policy, and it is not targeted at any one group.
Where graves do not comply with the regulations, families are contacted and given time to act before any items are removed.
It is important that residents are reassured that the council is applying the same rules fairly, consistently and respectfully, and in accordance with the law."
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