UPDATE: A grieving mother from Nottinghamshire is considering exhuming her son’s remains from Beeston Cemetery due to ongoing disputes with the Broxtowe Borough Council over delayed memorial rules. Lindsey Collins, whose son Josh Collins passed away in 2021 at just 19, expressed her frustration after the council postponed a critical meeting set for Tuesday, December 16, 2025, regarding new cemetery regulations.
The council’s decision to defer discussions for a second time in six months has left Collins feeling betrayed and without trust. The proposed regulations aimed to streamline grave memorial items have been under scrutiny since October 2024, when local families began petitioning against restrictions on tributes. The council’s failure to complete an essential document, the Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA), led to this latest delay, pushing the resolution to a new date of February 3, 2026.
Collins voiced her anguish, stating, “I’ve had no time to process the death of my son. I feel like I’m in a constant battle with the council.” She is now contemplating the painful option of moving her son’s remains to ensure she can mourn him properly. “It’s becoming more apparent that exhuming him is my only alternative,” she added. “The only way I’m going to have any peace is to have him at home.”
This ongoing issue has sparked outrage among families impacted by the council’s strict rules regarding grave decorations, which have been in place since at least 2009. The restrictions, which prohibit items like fencing and vases, were updated as recently as 2023, causing confusion among bereaved families. The council initially argued that these rules were necessary for maintenance and safety concerns, but many families feel their grief is being compounded by bureaucratic delays.
On Tuesday, families expressed their anger over the decision to delay once again, suggesting the council’s failure to prepare the EQIA was a deliberate attempt to prolong the situation. They stated, “We are devastated that we have been let down once again due to the failings of council staff.” The emotional toll has been exacerbated as families face another holiday season without a resolution.
“It needs to be recognised council officers are paid employees to deliver on behalf of elected representatives,” said Councillor Milan Radulovic, who criticized the council’s negligence. “I feel very, very upset and aggrieved for families.”
In response to the mounting frustration, a spokesperson for the council acknowledged the oversight regarding the EQIA and promised a swift resolution. “An EQIA will be produced as soon as possible. We are keen to see a resolution to this matter as soon as possible,” they stated.
The council’s initial proposal to allow tributes and gardens within one meter of new graves was designed to be a compromise, yet the lack of progress has left families feeling hopeless. As the situation continues to unfold, the emotional impact on those who have lost loved ones is palpable, with many calling for accountability from council officials.
As the February meeting approaches, all eyes will be on Broxtowe Borough Council to see if they can finally bring closure to grieving families like Collins. The stakes are high, with families yearning for peace and the ability to honor their loved ones without further complications.
This developing story highlights the urgent need for local authorities to prioritize the needs of bereaved families. As the battle continues, Collins and others are left to grapple with their grief amid layers of bureaucratic delays.
