collect stones SIR: In reply to Mr B Olivers letter printed on June 18. I agree wholehearedly with his comments.

A number of years ago my mother was informed that her parents' memorial stones were due for renewal after 25 years. Surely after someone has paid for the stone it is their property. We contacted Overdale Crematorium but were not allowed to go and collect the stones without a further payment. Obviously these were just disposed of or maybe they are re-cycled?

I am fully aware that Overdale may eventually become short of space but could it not be possible to keep them in their original spots for longer, until more of the closer relatives or friends have died themselves and therefore the siutation would not be so upsetting.

May I please add that this letter is not a criticism of the Crematorium staff who are always most helpful and considerate but it is the whole system in force which needs to be addressed.

M Stevenson

Chilham Street, Morris Green

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