THE COUNCIL is again asking residents to be aware of cemetery regulations involving adaptations to graves following a complaint about the removal of a fence.

Kelly Truman, 34, from Dumbarton, said her family were not informed by letter or headstone note that a fence at her grandfather's grave in Bellsmyre Cemetery was breaching long-established rules on what can be displayed.

However, a West Dunbartonshire Council spokeswoman said while they appreciate this is a “sensitive matter”, the family were informed at the start of the year via letter and headstone note that the fence was not allowed.

A council statement said: “We appreciate this is a sensitive matter and want to work with families as we take the steps needed to properly maintain the graves at Dumbarton Cemetery.

“Adaptations including edging are out with cemetery rules and mean groundsmen have to use strimmers to cut the surrounding grass.

“Strimmers are messy and throws grass cuttings across surrounding graves which is undignified.

“We contacted the family some time ago to ask that the wooden edging be removed and had given time for this to be done.”

Ms. Truman says she believes the fence should still be in place and her family has already installed a new one at the grave.

“Despite what was reported in the paper none of my family received a letter to say that the fence had to come down and there was no note attached to headstone to advise of this,” she said.

“My grandad and grandmother had 11 kids and 25 grandkids who tend to the grave week in, week out. I know there was a story saying those affected would receive a letter or something would be attached to the headstone.

“We never received anything. It's just upsetting to think they can just go up and do that without a care how the family may feel.”