Stephen Penman says he was disgusted to learn that precious items are being taken away without the knowledge or consent of families.

His mum Helen, who lived in Glasgow’s East End, had her ashes scattered at the Glades Memorial Garden, alongside other relatives.

Stephen is now calling on the council to be transparent about exactly what will happen to the memorials and wants the local authority to work harder to trace and notify those impacted.

Helen Penman(Image: supplied)

He told the Glasgow Times: “I visit there a couple of times a week, and it’s a very peaceful place where a lot of people go to find comfort.

“There’s a group of people who regularly attend to their loved one’s memorials and we were shocked and saddened to hear that the council plans to remove items without working to notify families.

“Surely, they can trace relatives of those who have passed, even if it means going through the book of remembrance and making them aware of what is planned.

Stephen Penman(Image: supplied)

“It just seems cruel and heartless. A lot of elderly people who have relatives’ ashes scattered there might not be able to travel to Daldowie easily or regularly, so just to discard them and not let them know is appalling.”

Stephen, whose 86-year-old mum passed away in March 2018, added: “The council is discarding precious memories that mean a lot to people. I can only imagine how families will feel when they arrive to find that plaques, benches or treasured tokens of remembrance are gone.”

Helen’s memorial(Image: supplied)

The Glasgow Times understands that the council has no plans to remove all unauthorised memorials and that those considered to be ‘looked after’ won’t be touched. However, those that are not deemed well-kept will be taken away. They will also be looking at whether new additions should be permitted through a pilot at the Linn Cemetery on the south side.

READ NEXT Council workers ordered to repay £40,000 after wages overpayment blunder

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council says the prevalence of the memorials, especially if they aren’t tended to, can impact the overall maintenance and amenity of the grounds.

They added: “The increase in unauthorised memorials can affect the appearance of a cemetery, especially if the memorial is damaged and uncared for, and also make it harder to undertake effective grounds maintenance.

“To help improve the maintenance of the grounds at Daldowie Crematorium, we have been removing unauthorised memorials that appear unattended to for a prolonged period.

“Those memorials that are being cared for and attended to will be left in place.

“Communal gardens where many ashes are scattered must be managed sensitively to ensure we are respectful to all families who visit these places.”

“We are currently working on a pilot at Linn Cemetery where any new unauthorised memorials will be removed. This will help us to better understand how this approach will improve maintenance of our cemeteries.”