BREAKING: A Nottinghamshire mother, Lindsey Collins, is contemplating exhuming her son from Beeston Cemetery due to a troubling lack of trust in Broxtowe Borough Council amid ongoing delays in memorial rule decisions. This shocking development comes after the council postponed crucial discussions for the second time in six months, leaving grieving families in distress.
The latest deferral, occurring on December 16, 2025, was attributed to a missing ‘Equality Impact Assessment’ (EQIA), which is essential for ensuring fair treatment of all grave owners. This delay pushes the next meeting to February 3, 2026, prolonging the uncertainty for families seeking to honor their loved ones.
Collins, whose son Josh died at the age of 19 in 2021, expressed her devastation, stating, “I feel like I’ve not been provided with that peace to sit and come to terms that I’ve lost my son.” The emotional toll of battling the council over grave memorials has led her to consider exhumation as a means to finally find peace.
The council’s proposed rules, which would allow memorial items within one meter of headstones, were originally to be decided in June 2025 but were postponed to facilitate further discussions. Families have expressed frustration over what they perceive as a deliberate attempt to delay the resolution, intensifying their anguish during the holiday season.
“We are devastated that we have been let down once again due to the failings of council staff,” the families stated. “We have been patient and cooperative, and the recurring failings now feel personal.”
Collins’ struggles with the council date back several years, including an initial refusal of her son’s headstone due to size concerns. After finally resolving that issue, she now faces a separate fight to maintain Josh’s memorial garden, adding to her emotional burden.
Councillor Milan Radulovic criticized the council’s negligence in failing to complete the EQIA, stating, “I feel very, very upset and aggrieved for families.” He acknowledged that the council’s inability to finalize this critical document has left families feeling abandoned and frustrated.
The council has since issued an apology, acknowledging the oversight and emphasizing that an EQIA will be prioritized to resolve the ongoing issue. A spokesperson stated, “We are keen to see a resolution to this matter as soon as possible.”
The disputes over memorial regulations began in October 2024, when the council announced plans to remove unapproved memorial items from cemeteries. These controversial rules, which restrict personal tributes, have been a source of significant distress for families who feel their rights to honor their loved ones are being ignored.
As the situation develops, families are left grappling with the emotional consequences of the council’s delays, particularly as they approach another holiday season without resolution. Collins’ potential decision to exhume her son highlights the profound impact of the ongoing dispute, underscoring the urgent need for the council to act decisively.
For families affected by these delays, the path forward remains uncertain. As they await the next council meeting in February, the emotional toll continues to mount, and the call for accountability grows louder.
