UPDATE: A bereaved mother from Nottinghamshire, Lindsey Collins, is contemplating exhuming her son from Beeston Cemetery after ongoing delays in new memorial rules have left her feeling betrayed by local authorities. The Broxtowe Borough Council postponed crucial discussions regarding grave memorial items yet again on December 16, 2025, marking the second deferral in just six months.
These changes, aimed at addressing contentious restrictions on grave memorials across Broxtowe cemeteries, are critical for families who wish to honor their loved ones. The council’s failure to finalize an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) has pushed the decision to a new date of February 3, 2026, causing distress among affected families, many of whom have been in limbo since the council first proposed these rules in June 2025.
Collins, whose son Josh passed away at just 19 years old in 2021, states she has “no trust” left in the council. “It’s becoming more apparent that exhuming him is my only alternative,” she shared with deep emotion. The ongoing battle with the council has left her feeling like she has been denied the peace to mourn properly, as she expressed, “I feel like I’ve not been provided with that peace to sit and come to terms that I’ve lost my son.”
This latest delay has triggered outrage among families who feel that the council’s inaction is a deliberate attempt to prolong their suffering. A statement from affected families described the situation as “devastating,” emphasizing that they are now forced to endure yet another holiday season without resolution. They have called for accountability from those responsible for the council’s repeated failings.
During the recent council meeting, Councillor Milan Radulovic condemned the delay as “negligent,” expressing his frustration at the council staff’s inability to meet deadlines. He remarked, “I feel very, very upset and aggrieved for families,” acknowledging the emotional toll this has taken on them.
In response to the uproar, the council has issued an apology, stating, “The omission of the EQIA is regrettable and will be addressed as soon as possible.” They claim that they are committed to finding a resolution for the families affected by these ongoing disputes.
The cemetery rules have been a contentious issue since October 2024, when families began petitioning against restrictions on memorial items. The council had previously threatened to remove tributes from graves starting in January 2025, citing maintenance and safety concerns, but this sparked significant backlash from grieving families.
With memorial items such as flowers, decorations, and even gardens at risk of removal, families argue that they have a right to honor their deceased loved ones in ways that bring them comfort. Collins’ situation highlights the emotional weight of these regulations, as she struggles to find closure in the face of bureaucratic delays.
As the situation develops, families continue to advocate for their right to memorialize their loved ones without unnecessary restrictions. The council’s next meeting on February 3, 2026, is anticipated to be pivotal as families hope for a resolution that respects their grief and allows for meaningful tributes.
This unfolding story underscores the urgent need for compassionate policies that prioritize the emotional well-being of bereaved families. The community is rallying, and the pressure is mounting for the council to act decisively and honor the wishes of those who have lost so much.
