Grieving parents win Shrewsbury baby grave tributes fight
Grieving parents will once again be able to leave tributes at their babies' graves following a hard-fought campaign.
Up until 14 months ago small tributes were allowed at Longden Road Cemetery in Shrewsbury in the area dedicated to the burial of babies.
Each grave contains about 15 babies and were maintained by the local branch of Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) committee.
But Shropshire Council decided they should be kept clear of all non-plant tributes.
This included cards, ornaments and toys that were placed beneath a tree at the back of the graves.
Non-floral tributes were removed from graves at the cemetery's dedicated garden of remembrance by volunteers, leading to several complaints from bereaved families.
The council said the decision was down to safety reasons and for maintenance.
So 40-year-old Clare Maceachen, from Herongate, Shrewsbury, decided to petition the council in a bid to get them to change their minds.
And she found out yesterday that she had been successful and that her petition, which had attracted more than 2,000 signatures, had forced the council to agree to one small tribute being placed on the grave per baby, per family.
A dedicated memorial area will also be created for further tributes.
"It is brilliant news," said Mrs Maceachen, who is married to Simon, 41, and mother to Harry, four.
"It is just a shame it has taken so long for this to happen. The items were removed from the graves 14 months ago. Then 11 months ago the council issued a statement that the matter would be resolved.
"A consultation process took place over the summer and it's taken the council since August to collate that information. They have now said that one small ornament, which should be weatherproof, can be left per baby, per family. I've been told the policy needs to be signed off by the portfolio holder Steve Charmley. The council said this will be done on January 15."
The couple lost their firstborn son in 2010. Mrs Maceachen said: "For me, it is very important to have a little tribute at the actual grave."
Nobody from Shropshire Council was available for comment.
