'Depressing' memorials restricted

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A council has taken steps to curb the use of memorials in public areas following complaints that they have been sending out a depressing message.

South Lanarkshire Council said a large increase in items such as soft toys and football scarves at memorial spots was spoiling the look of open areas.

The authority said it was contacting owners to have them removed.

Commemorative trees, benches and plaques are also set to be restricted to the crematorium and burial grounds.

The local authority said a considerable increase in the amount of memorabilia placed on or around commemorative benches and trees, where people liked to relax, was seriously affecting the "ambience and aesthetics" of parks and open spaces.

Future restrictions

South Lanarkshire Council said the message it was receiving from some members of the public was that, "with the greatest of respect, memorabilia surrounding memorial benches and trees make a picnic in the park depressing for all".

"Parks and open spaces are the places people spend their leisure and relaxation time in pursuit of healthy living through walking and exercise and taking family outings for picnics," said the council in a statement.

"In response to concerns being expressed at the increased amount of memorabilia or commemorations, South Lanarkshire Council, although sympathising with the practice, has taken the decision to contact owners to remove such memorabilia from the benches and trees in parks and open spaces."

The authority said it would continue to run the commemorative tree and bench scheme, but has proposed to restrict their future installation to cemeteries, the crematorium and woodland burial grounds.

The council is to move ahead with a notification scheme, informing memorabilia owners of the restrictions.