GRIEVING residents in Studley have reacted with anger over being told they can no longer place items on loved one's graves.

Residents in the village have been told by Studley Parish Council that certain items are no longer allowed on graves in Studley Parish Cemetery.

The revised rules, which came into effect earlier this year after a consultation period, mean people can no longer leave solar lights, glass items, flags, scarves, ornaments or any item which requires a spike to secure it in the ground.

Any items which are classed as "non-compliant" will be removed.

So far, almost 1000 people have signed a petition against the new rules and hundreds have joined a facebook group called ‘Studley residents against new graveyard rules’.

Karen Brown, who started the petition and the facebook group, said that the facebook page was there to organise residents and let Studley Parish Council know of the anger at its decision to remove items fromgraves.

A spokesman from Studley Parish Council said that there are aware of the Facebook page.

She said that notices letting people know about the new rules were displayed in the cemetery, on the parish notice board and parish website.

"Following communication from concerned residents and grave owners the proposed regulations were revised to take into account those concerns," they said.

"Revised regulations were displayed in the cemetery and on the parish website and sent to all local funeral directors.

"The parish council are happy to meet with residents and grave owners to discuss their individual concerns and will be discussing the concerns at the next available parish council Meeting."