The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales will not investigate a complaint against Caerphilly County Borough Council over personal items and tributes left on graves.
Last year, the council was accused of being insensitive over the way it handled ‘grave personalisation’, where items such as solar lights, wind chimes and fencing.
Families argued it was a way of paying tribute to their loved ones, but the council adopted its ‘lawn policy’ at cemeteries to ensure the appearance of graves were consistent and appropriate.
The council agreed to review the approach, but determined that the policy will continue to be applied in all council-run cemeteries.
Following an official complaint from a resident submitted to the Ombudsman, the Investigating Officer concluded that an investigation into the complaint would not proceed, and that the council had acted reasonably in implementing the decision to make changes to grave personalisation.
Cllr David Poole, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services, said: “I fully understand that this is an extremely emotive issue for so many people, and we have sought to address the matter in a way which will not cause offence or distress.
“I do however feel it is important that we highlight the fact that the Ombudsman, in considering this complaint has determined that we, as a council, acted reasonably in taking this decision, and that we also gave residents the opportunity to raise any issues they had, both in the form of a public meeting and on an individual basis.
“We firmly believe that a cemetery should be a place of quiet reflection in well maintained, dignified surroundings.”
The council has said inspections will take place in cemeteries over the coming months and, if appropriate, letters will be sent to relatives respectfully asking them to remove any unauthorised items that have been identified.