HUNDREDS of precious family keepsakes lie smashed and broken in the mud - the result of a cemetery’s strict spring clean.
Beckenham Crematorium and Cemetery decided to sweep away sentimental lanterns, ornaments, flowers and vases from graves across the cemetery last week.
Managers told visiting families they could collect any possessions from outside their offices.
But these amazing pictures show hundreds of items mindlessly piled in the mud or in wheelbarrows.
Many items have been broken while others are covered in filth and grime as they lie in what looks like a dirty builder's yard.
The pictures were taken by Gemma Bull whose grandfather's gravestone is at the cemetery in Elmers End Road, Beckenham.
The 21-year-old said: “Sometimes the places that you are meant to get the most care can also treat you badly.”
Dignity run the private crematorium and cemetery and the company owns 30 crematoriums across the UK.
A spokesman argued there were signs at the cemetery warning families to limit the number of tributes they leave.
He said: “We have received a number of complaints from families about the amount and types of mementoes being left in the cemetery.
“Some of these tributes have encroached onto the graves and memorial plaques of others.
“When our staff have felt it necessary to remove tributes they have kept these at the crematorium office for the families to collect.”
He added: “Our staff are sensitive to the needs of the local community and we have received a number of comments thanking us for addressing this issue.”
Dignity’s website even states: “We are committed to providing the highest standard of care and attention in our cemeteries across the UK.”
Brian Sweeney, 72, and wife Carole says they were completely unaware staff would be removing their vase, normally used to keep flowers fresh and tidy on their son’s grave.
Mr Sweeney, of Caygill Close, Bromley, said: “I went into the crematorium office and had a row with the manager.
“There is going to be an awful lot of people that are not going to know where their possessions have gone."
Have your personal items been moved off a grave at the cemetery in Beckenham? Or maybe you have experienced the same thing elsewhere? Contact Scott Mullins on 01689 885732 or email smullins@london.newsquest.co.uk.
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