Families left heartbroken as churchyard rules force removal of grave tributes

Monday, 1 September 2025 16:26

By David Murphy

Families in Littleborough have voiced anger and distress after being told treasured items left on graves at St Barnabas Church must be removed by Sunday 7 September.

A notice displayed at St Barnabas Church, Shore, Littleborough, confirmed that memorial items including artificial flowers, toys, mementoes and decorations must be cleared from the churchyard in line with Church of England regulations.

The church says it is acting under the authority of the Diocese of Manchester and does not have power to make exceptions.

The notice states: “These regulations are in place to preserve the dignity, character, and sacred nature of the churchyard for all who visit. They apply to all parishes and prohibit certain items, including kerbs, railings, fencing, chippings, mementoes, windmills, toys or little animals, anything affixed to monuments, artificial flowers and any kind of lighting.”

It adds that neither the vicar nor the parish council has authority to permit items that fall outside these rules, and that any removed items will be carefully stored for collection.

But the announcement has left grieving families devastated.

Danielle Almond, whose baby daughter is buried in the graveyard, said she was “absolutely sickened” by the order. “This is a sanctuary for me at times,” she said. “We keep it tidy and tasteful. This is like taking the last shred of comfort we have.”

She added that deer often eat fresh flowers, leaving artificial ones as the only lasting option.

Another mourner, Lindsay Flory, said her father’s grave had been respectfully maintained for more than 20 years. “It isn’t harming anyone keeping the graves looking tidy and looked after,” she said.

The church warden, who also has a loved one buried there, apologised and explained that the order comes from the Chancellor of the Diocese of Manchester. “We as a church do not want to carry out these instructions. We have tried not to, but have met with a brick wall,” she said.

Some residents are now calling on church leaders to rethink. Local campaigner Kitt Budd said: “This is a sacred place to visit and still have time with those we miss. Someone with a belief in God would not agree with this.”

Families are being urged to contact the Diocese directly if they wish to raise concerns.