Argyll and Bute Council is sending a reminder letter to some lair-holders at Helensburgh Cemetery, asking them to remove memorials from the graves they own.

Some lair-holders have memorial items like shrubs, unauthorised gravelled or walled areas which are hindering the council’s routine maintenance of the area. In some cases cemetery staff are finding it hard to cut grass, strim and clear paths. It can also make it hard to prepare adjacent lairs for burials.

Helensburgh and Lomond area committee chair, Councillor Vivien Dance, said: “The council sent a letter in April asking lair-holders to remove the items and we are disappointed that some have still to respond  and remove the items as requested.  

“I would ask all lair-holders to remove the memorials by the 30th September 2011 but if they are unable to do so the council will remove them and they will be stored for a short period of time.   

“ It is Argyll and Bute Council’s responsibility to make sure rules for lair-holders are adhered to by all while making sure families can grieve in peace as they wish and I trust that everyone will assist us in this sensitive issue.

Anyone who gets a letter and has any questions should contact Cardross Crematorium on 01389 841313 and ask for Thomas McLean.