Several local residents who have relatives, often many generations, buried at Walford Churchyard, just outside of Ross-on-Wye, are still distressed at the enforcement by the churchwardens of rules relating to the churchyard.

The rules have been on show at the entrance to the churchyard, and various other locations, but they are not new rules and many people assumed that as long as their gravestones were decorated with tasteful arrangements, even if they were silk they would be allowed to stay. They were very upset to discover on October 1st that flowers and other tributes had been removed and left in a pile to one side, by a wall.

The churchwardens were contacted by the Ross Gazette and they told us that the rules were being enforced in line with other churches in the diocese. The rules and regulations are laid down by the Diocese and apply to all churchyards as they enable mowing and cutting to be carried out efficiently.” They added that they will be continuing to enforce these rules in the future.

To read this story in full, pick up this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette.