Bereaved Dundee mothers have urged the council to clean up a city cemetery, stating they only want a peaceful place to grieve for their children.
Clare Bremner and Aileen Baird say Birkhill Cemetery has become unfit and is littered with “rotting toys and plants”.
The parents have urged the council to maintain the land for “three or four years” but claim they have never received a reply.
Clare’s daughter Amy was born prematurely and died just three days later in 2003. She chose Birkhill because of its peaceful atmosphere. She said Dundee City Council told her a number of rules existed, which included not leaving toys lying around and restrictions on headstone sizes.
However, over the years these rules are seemingly being ignored as “toys and half -inflated balloons” are strewn across the site.
Clare, who now lives in Dunfermline, also lost two sons – Aiden and Cameron – and had their ashes scattered at Amy’s grave.
She said: “I’m not saying the clutter is the fault of the council but their lack of response is why this beautiful area is now an eyesore.
“When my daughter died we were so happy we found such a peaceful and beautiful place to come to visit.
“For two or three years these rules were followed and we got some comfort from visiting our little piece of heaven, but over the next few years these rules were ignored by some people.
“I understand everyone’s tastes are different, but I now feel this ground is neglected and the council are not doing anything to address it.
“I understand it might be difficult for them to approach people over such a delicate subject but the rules were made and the people who decided to use the cemetery were told the guidelines.
“I feel let down by the council, who seem to be ignoring complaints from parents.”
Aileen, who lost her daughter Sophie, said it is now a “stressful” place.
“The rules are on a notice board there and if everyone would stick to the same rules then it wouldn’t be like this,” she said.
“We don’t want anyone to be hurt as it is a delicate subject, but we don’t even go to the graves anymore because of this, unless it’s an anniversary, and that’s really sad.”
Clare and Aileen, whose children’s graves are next to each other, became “best friends” after Aileen left a note on Amy’s grave suggesting they support each other.
The council has planned works at the grounds and say they sent letters, however Clare and Aileen say they did not receive them.
A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “The council is reviewing its rules and regulations for cemeteries.
“We wrote to families late last year explaining that the council is planning environmental improvements to the baby area at Birkhill Cemetery.
“This will include works to the footpath and the surrounding landscape.
“Our intention is to create a dedicated area around each lair for memorabilia. This is intended to reduce the risk of damage to items and help with ongoing maintenance of the cemetery.
“Further improvement works are also proposed in the area around the memorial wall, including the surfacing of the pathway.
“We are keen to talk to families to discuss any concerns they may have and explain clearly how we want to closely work with them during this improvement project.”
