A GRIEVING husband has been left distraught after flowers were removed from his wife’s grave following a disagreement with a parish council.

Perry Cockram, of Waterhouse Lane, Ardleigh, said his family have been left disgusted by the actions of Ardleigh Parish Council, after flowers were twice removed from Ardleigh Cemetery.

His wife Michelle died on June 28, 2014, following a 12-year battle with cancer.

Mr Cockram said he had permission from the parish council to maintain her grave himself.

Despite being informed flowers were allowed to be left, his family have twice had flowers removed.

“I was sent a letter by chairman Tim Barrott, which stated my wife’s grave must be cleared,” said Mr Cockram.

“I have had no indication as to why this is and have been given permission to leave flowers there.”

Michelle’s mother and father visited the grave with Michelle’s children and found flowers and a mother’s day card previously left for her had been discarded in a nearby bin.

“We’re dealing with bereaved people and they’re not necessarily emotionally stable, they are coming to terms with permanent changes in life,” added Mr Cockram.

“My wife’s children and her parents visit the grave to pay their respects on a frequent basis.

“Can you imagine how they felt to see the flowers and card chucked in the bin?

“The parish council’s response to formal complaints made through Tendring Council was to clear the grave for a second time and not consult with the family at all.”

Nigel Brown, Tendring Council’s communications manager, said it had received a complaint from Mr Cockram.

“Tendring Council’s monitoring officer considered the complaint and has issued a decision which encourages the various parties involved, including the parish council, to undertake mediation to resolve this issue,” he said.

Mr Barrott declined to comment.