CEMETERY staff in St Helens are making a flowers-only plea in the garden of remembrance.

The call follows a growing trend for people to place commemorative pots and plaques in the garden where remains of loved ones are buried.

Next week staff will remove all pots or plaques leaving only floral tributes following complaints from mourners and because of the safety issues for staff who have to maintain the garden using heavy mowing vehicles. The pots will be kept in temporary storage for people to collect.

A cemetery spokesman said that a number of people visiting the garden were complaining that some of the plaques were covering more than one interment site. Some people cannot gain access to a particular site because pots and plaques are blocking the way.

And he added: "There is also the issue of staff having to replace the pots before mowing which is causing us health and safety problems. We are aware that this is a sensitive subject and want to cater for everyone. We have a wall of remembrance for commemorative plaques which we provide to cater for people who want a tribute to a loved one."

As with all other gardens of remembrance across the country, there are regulations restricting what may be placed on the area and these are available from the cemetery office.

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