By 
A Gloucester mother, who was told she has to remove a decorative fence placed around her late son’s grave, has been given a reprieve as civic chiefs will review cemetery rules.
Sharna Andrews, 29, from Tredworth, had been told by Gloucester City Council that she would not be able to keep the small fence which she and one of her daughters painted around her late son’s grave.
Her seven-year-old son Harry-Lee Andrews-Tomlinson died last year after suffering a severe asthma attack.
And, in recent months, Ms Andrews “brightened up” her son’s grave at Gloucester Crematorium in Coney Hill but she was told the fence had to go.
She said she did not realise the fence would not be allowed and says the rules of Gloucester Cemeteries and Crematorium are unfair.
Speaking at Thursday’s (November 16) meeting, Ms Andrews also asked questions of council and said it saddened her to be put in this position to have to fight for her son’s resting place.
She asked why loved ones were not allowed to have things to make it personal for them.
However, the council agreed to review their rules after a motion was brought forward by Community Independent Councillors Alastair Chambers (Matson,
Robinswood and White City) and Brendon O’Donnell (Matson, Robinswood and White City).
Cllr Chambers said the grandparents and mother of Ramarni Crosby also raised concerns around the rules and regulations of the crematorium.
And Cllr O’Donnell struggled to hold back the tears as he read out an emotional letter sent on their behalf.
Deputy leader Hannah Norman (C, Quedgeley Fieldcourt) explained the graves are maintained in accordance with the rules and regulations of the cemetery.
She said people were allowed to place ornaments for their loved ones within a 3ft by 2ft planting boundary.
But agreed that it was right to review the rules which were set in 2014
“The amendment that I’ve tabled commits the council to review industry best practice and the rules and regulations to see if there are any improvements which can be made.
“A report will be brought to cabinet and if any changes recommended cabinet will be asked to conduct a public consultation before there are changes to rule.”
She said it is incredibly important to give families a clear sense of direction as soon as possible.
And it is her intention for an initial report to be brought to a meeting in January 2024
Cllr Norman said that while the review is underway the deed holders who have received letters to make changes will not have any legal action taken against them.
Councillors voted unanimously to approve the amended motion.
By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk
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