Calls to phase out plastics in cemetery rejected

A south London council has rejected calls to phase out plastics in one of its cemeteries, despite concerns that they are creating a "massive environmental issue".

Ecologist Alison Fure petitioned Kingston Council to better enforce the ban on plastic decorative items at Kingston Cemetery, including ornaments, artificial flowers, pots, windmills and cellophane wrappers. It was signed by more than 1,200 people.

In a statement Fure said she hoped the cemetery could be restored to a "more natural and respectful environment".

Council leader Andreas Kirsch said the council would work with volunteers on the issue, but said it had to balance protecting the cemetery with the needs of bereaved families.

Fure, who has lived within walking distance of the cemetery in south-west London for 35 years, previously told BBC London that said environmental degradation caused by plastics had left the burial ground's ecology "hanging by a thread".

She said a change in policy would bring the site in line with other cemeteries in London.

In her petition, Fure said the accumulation of plastic both detracted from the "serenity of the grounds" and created "a massive environmental issue".

It was discussed at a council meeting on 13 October, during which the council heard that the cemetery, which is a Grade I Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), was littered with plastic decorations.

Fure told the meeting that plastic items gradually broke down into microplastics, which stayed in the environment and polluted the neighbouring Hogsmill River.

A report by council officers responding to the petition said the authority's focus was on collaboration rather than formally enforcing the ban on plastics at the cemetery, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Its current regulations restrict plastic fencing and visitors are asked to remove cellophane wrappers from flowers.

The council said it was prioritising an educational campaign to encourage visitors to stick to the rules.

The report said staff were told to remove plastic and cellophane wrappers from flowers during routine maintenance and carry out litter picks in the cemetery twice a week.

Independent councillor James Giles, submitted a motion for the council to agree to a phased withdrawal of plastic decorations at the cemetery over three months.

It was rejected with 33 votes against, two in favour and three abstentions.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk