Mourners could be banned from putting plastic flowers on plots in a garden of remembrance following complaints over its appearance.

A handful of residents have contacted Sible Hedingham parish councillors about the Garden of Remembrance in Prayors Hill.

After discussions at two meetings and a visit to the gardens, councillors have agreed to start enforcing its existing list of 20 rules, which have been in place since 1992.

It is estimated that about a fifth of the plots currently have items on them that are banned.

Rule nine states: “Glass shades containing plastic flowers, jam jars, milk bottles or similar jars or bottles or receptacles shall not be allowed on plot spaces.”

Following the latest recreation and amenities committee meeting last Friday the parish council handyman will be asked to clear away the banned items and in future ensure they are removed within two weeks of appearing.

At the next committee parish councillors will discuss changing rule number four, which states that fresh flowers are preferable, to say that plastic flowers will be banned.

Councillors agreed to give six months notice if this change goes ahead.

Parish clerk Adrian Corder-Birch said councillors felt it was a sensitive subject but the changes would bring the rules in line with Diocesan regulations, which apply to the adjoining churchyard of St Peter’s.