A family were shocked when they received a letter telling them they had to dig up flowers planted at the graves of loved ones – or the council would dig them up instead.

Gerald Hills, 99, of James Street, Maidstone, was stunned to receive the letter from Maidstone council.

His wife Alice Hills was buried at Maidstone Cemetery in Sutton Road two years ago.

His sister Nancy Chapman was buried there three years ago.

But in the letter, Mr Hills was told he would have to dig up the plants, or the council would remove them to another site in Bearsted.

His grandson Harvey Chapman said: “It is ridiculous.

“They have said the turf graves shouldn’t have flowers and they want to remove them all.

“We have planted a lot of things up there; some mini trees, and heather, and a few other bits, and we’ve got to dig them up. It says he can let them know his response, but it isn’t that it won’t happen if he says no.

“They have said they want to re-turf everything.

“The letter says if we don’t dig them up, they’ll be dug up and put somewhere else. It is disgraceful.”

But a council spokesman said plants are not supposed to be positioned around the turfed areas and that only four graves were affected.

The spokesman said: “We’re really sorry to have to ask people to move plants so that we can re-turf the lawn.

“We have to keep the lawn clear so that we can mow the grass, and we encourage people to put plants around the headstones.

“This keeps the cemetery looking its best for everyone.”

Stories you might have missed

Shock at death of student killed by lorry on A2

Pest controllers called in as rats found at hospital

Hanged pensioner feared losing home over tax

Kent put on flood warning again amid high tides