Monmouthshire County Council is appealing for parents and carers of children interred within Llanfoist Cemetery to get in touch if they haven’t already heard from the council.

The council is improving the appearance of the area dedicated to graves of deceased children and stillborn babies by temporarily storing personal tributes and memorials, removing the turf, laying a weed-suppressant membrane and infilling with decorative stone. Once this work is completed the items will be returned to their original positions, with care taken to prevent any damage to existing headstones.

The aim is to create a more attractive setting as currently many of the graves look very untidy because grass and weeds growing among the memorial items cannot be cut back effectively.

MCC wrote to parents and carers last November, notifying them that this work would be carried out in mid-March and asking them to temporarily remove personal items.

The council is aware, however, that it has been unable to reach all parents and carers of those interred and urges these people to contact the Cemeteries Officer, Rhian Jackson: [email protected] or 01873 735852/ 07920 087861.

Council Leader Peter Fox said, “While we recognise that this is an emotive issue, all the parents who have contacted us are in favour of our plans to improve the appearance of the cemetery.

“Once the work is complete items such as teddies, toys, ornaments and free-standing tributes can be replaced. However fencing or fixed memorials, other than those granted a permit, will not be allowed as well as items that breach or penetrate the membrane. Where items of this nature are found they will be removed.”

You can also contact the Cemeteries Officer to discuss any aspect associated with the council’s proposals.