RESIDENTS of a Darlington village are in uproar after articles were removed from graves, by the members of the Church.
St Andrew’s Church in Haughton-Le-Skerne, on the outskirts of Darlington, has come under fire after residents spoke out about “inconsistent” rules regarding how graves can be tended.
Last summer, letters started to be sent to residents regarding what was and wasn’t allowed to be placed at graves.
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Real flowers were allowed but artificial flowers were not.
Ornaments, vases and trinkets were prohibited, and there were strict criteria for what classed as appropriate headstones and grave markers.
Signs were also erected in the churchyard explaining the rules.
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Joanne Somers said: “All the graves were kept neat and tidy, and the rule about no artificial flowers is just ridiculous. It’s winter, real flowers don’t survive in winter.
“I was devastated to see nearly everything at my husband’s grave taken away. If it was kids doing this, it would be called vandalism. It’s not exactly very Christian is it?”
Sharon Graham said: “It’s criminal what they’ve done.”
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Sharon’s husband Craig said: “The rules aren’t even consistent because there are some graves that still have artificial flowers on. If they’re bringing in this rule, it should apply to all.
“Other churches within Durham Diocese supposedly follow these rules too, including St Andrew’s Church at Sadberge. I went to visit the churchyard in Sadberge and there are loads of artificial flowers on graves, and headstones and grave markers of all shapes and sizes. Why has St Andrew’s at Haughton been singled out?”
Nicola Hutchinson said: “It used to look lovely, bright and colourful. Now it looks sad. It looks like nobody cares.”
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Sharon asked the church for her belongings back and they were left in a bin bag on her doorstep.
A statement was issued on behalf of St Andrew’s Parochial Church Council and the Diocese of Durham: "We are aware that families express their grief in different ways, and that the requirements laid down for churchyards in Durham Diocese, and in every diocese in the Church of England, are difficult for some to accept, whilst for others they make good sense.
"We understand that some individuals and families feel aggrieved at the action that has been taken and we are sorry that this is the case, but we are required to treat all grieving families fairly and with equity.
"Experience shows that if there aren’t clear boundaries the articles left by some families as a genuine expression of grief, but which are not within the regulations, may not seem fitting to other people whose loved one’s ashes are interred here, and this causes those people real distress.
"The regulations cover both the size, style and wording on headstones and grave markers, and what may and may not be added to those areas.
"Fresh flowers are welcome and encouraged but should be removed when dead, and artificial flowers are not allowed.
"These regulations have changed over the years, so what has been allowed in the past may not be acceptable now, and vice-versa, so that space in the churchyard is effectively and respectfully managed.
"These conditions have not always been enforced in the past, but since 2016 all new requests for interments have involved an agreement to these conditions before interment can take place.
"The PCC and Durham Diocese have become increasingly concerned about families not observing the regulations and in July 2021, following a ruling by the Durham Chancellor, a letter was written to all families for whom we had up to date contact details asking that items not allowed within the regulations be removed by 30th September 2021 and in addition notices were placed in the churchyard explaining this requirement.
"A further two month grace period was given to families until 30th November 2021 and St Andrew’s is very grateful to the families and individuals who have taken action to comply with these requirements.
"A further letter was sent in November to families reminding them of the regulations.
"All items removed are being carefully stored and will be available for families to collect by appointment.
"The PCC of St Andrew’s are legally bound to follow the Chancellor’s direction in taking these actions."
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