MORE than 100 Studley villagers turned up to a recent Studley Parish Council meeting to call for controversial new rules to ban items on graves to be withdrawn.

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.

At last week's meeting residents called for councillors to reverse the decision and hold a full parish meeting where everyone could attend and voice their opinions.

Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Studley Jeff kenner, who attended the meeting, said: "Over 100 residents were there to call for the new rules to be withdrawn.

"Unfortunately the room provided by the parish council was only large enough for about 12 members of the public but I did attend at the request of residents.

"Six electors voted to have a parish meeting so that all the people could participate at a more suitable venue."

He added that a parish meeting has to be now held.

Chairman of the council, councillor Julian Ingram, said: “To ensure the process is democratic, we reiterate our request to those who are unhappy with the decision taken, to be a part of the solution.

"The Parish Council is keen to engage with both sides of the debate, and consider that democracy would be best served by a working party and not mass meeting.”

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