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MOURNERS are being told they are not allowed to leave silk flowers at a memorial gardens despite real plants being quickly devoured by rabbits.

Hazel Dallas, 58, of Raphael Avenue, Tilbury, is upset at the way staff at the Herongate Woodland Cemetery, Brentwood, have treated her.

Her husband Trevor passed away two years ago at the age of 50 and she regularly visits his plot to pay her respects.

Mrs Dallas said: "I used to plant flowers, but they were eaten by rabbits.

"In an agreement I received from the cemetery, it said that I could not use glass, cellophane or rose bushes, which I have abided by.

"I then used silk flowers, but was told they were not appropriate.

"I replaced them for wooden flowers and was told by staff that I must remove them immediately, or they will do it for me.

"I feel victimised by people who should be considerate towards me at my time of grief."

Manager of Herongate Woodland Cemetery, Ray Ward, said: "We are sympathetic towards Mrs Dallas's problem.

"While we are aware she wants to pay her respects, the land is a wildlife conservation area and is classed as an open green burial site, so all things left on plots must be biodegradable.

"Mrs Dallas has built up her plot so that it is spilling into neighbouring sites, and she has even put up electronic lights in the past.

"We have erected a sign informing users that any non-biodegradable products will be removed after a week, which we think is reasonable."

Mrs Dallas denies that the trappings on her plot have spilled on to other people's, and notes that other mourners have commented on how nicely she keeps her section.

A range of wildlife, including rabbits, hares, hedgehogs and badgers flourish on the site, which will make way for vast swathes of bluebells in the summer months.

While it is common for cemeteries to not allow non-biodegradable products, Mrs Dallas is calling on the staff at the cemetery to find an appropriate way to let her pay her respects.

9:37am Friday 9th May 2008

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