Important Information for Families and Visitors
Following recent inspections of the burial grounds, it has been identified that the Burial Ground Regulations are not being consistently adhered to. In particular, a number of items have been placed on, around, or adjacent to memorials where they are not permitted under the regulations.
The Council fully recognises that items placed at graves and memorials are often done so with love, care and remembrance. However, the Council also has a legal responsibility to ensure that burial grounds remain safe, accessible, and properly maintained for all who visit or work within them.
This includes:
- Families and friends visiting loved ones
- Members of the public
- Council employees
- Contractors carrying out maintenance
- Funeral directors and other service providers
Items placed outside of the permitted regulations can create health and safety risks, obstruct maintenance work, and increase the risk of accidents or damage.
A copy of the Burial Ground Regulations can be found on the Council’s website: www.repton-pc.gov.uk/services
This notice will be displayed on Council noticeboards in Repton and Milton, at the burial ground gates, on the Council website, the Council Facebook page, and in the Village News to ensure all users of the burial grounds are informed.
Permitted Items and Regulations
To provide clarity, the following rules apply within the burial grounds:
- Spring bulbs are permitted in the grassed areas; however, their foliage will be cut as part of routine grass maintenance. No other plants are permitted to be planted in the ground.
- A maximum of two stone or earthenware containers may be placed on a grave or ashes plot immediately adjacent to a monument. Each container must not exceed 250 mm in diameter and 250 mm in height (10 inches x 10 inches). These may be used for planting or cut flowers.
- Plastic, metal, or glass vases or containers are not permitted.
- No other ornaments, bottles, jugs, jars, vases, stones, crosses, kerbstones, or any other items whatsoever are permitted to be placed on a grave or ashes plot.
These requirements are in place to ensure consistency across the burial grounds, to support safe and efficient maintenance, and to protect the safety of all visitors and staff.
Scheduled Removal of Items
To ensure compliance with the Burial Ground Regulations and to maintain a safe and well-managed environment, the Council will undertake a scheduled programme for the removal of unauthorised items.
The process will be carried out in the following stages:
Stage 1 – Opportunity for Families to Remove Items
Families and friends will be given advance notice, where possible, and asked to remove any items/plants that do not comply with the Burial Ground Regulations by 30th September 2026.
Stage 2 – Council Removal and Storage
After 30th September 2026, any remaining unauthorised items/plants will be carefully removed by the Council and stored securely for a limited period until 30th November 2026.
Stage 3 – Collection of Items
During the storage period, families and friends may contact the Council to arrange the collection or return of their items/plants.
Stage 4 – Disposal
Any items/plants that are not collected by 30th November 2026 will be disposed of by the Council.
Ongoing Compliance
Following completion of this programme, regular inspections of the burial grounds will be carried out to ensure continued compliance with the Burial Ground Regulations.
Where unauthorised items are identified in future, the Council may remove them in accordance with this procedure without further notice.
The Council appreciates that burial grounds are places of remembrance, reflection, and personal significance. These measures are not intended to cause distress, but to ensure that the burial grounds remain safe, respectful, and accessible for all visitors, while allowing essential maintenance to be carried out safely and effectively.
If you have any questions regarding the Burial Ground Regulations or this programme of works, please contact the Council for further advice and assistance.