FAMILIES left outraged when told to unclutter the graves of their loved ones at a Hampshire cemetery have moved closer to reaching a compromise.

Relatives met officials from the West Hoe Cemetery Committee to discuss alternative options to solving the problem of untidy graves at Bishop’s Waltham.

There have been a number of emotional clashes between the two sides, since the committee announced last year that all graves must be “decluttered”.

The tightening of rules to help reduce maintenance costs called for the removal of flowerpots, decorations on children’s graves and nets to protect blooms from wildlife.

However, this week calmer discussions got under way with both sides accepting that a compromise could be reached.

Suggestions included limits on the length of time tributes were left on graves and the acceptance of urns that are already placed on gravesides.

In the future new urns will no longer be allowed but urns already installed can be kept if relatives register the items with the committee.

Geraldine Clark, of Oaks Road, said: “It was a productive meeting that allowed us to hear suggestions from both sides.

“We will continue to meet the committee until this whole upsetting issue is finally sorted.We will not sit back and let them do as they wish.

“Everyone was happy with how the cemetery was run and saw no reason for change. The committee will have to compromise.”

The committee will continue to discuss options and will report back to relatives before any final decision is made.

Committee chairman Diana Underwood said: “We had a useful discussion with those who have relatives at the cemetery and a lot of good suggestions were put forward, which we will now look at in more detail.

“This is not an easy subject. It is a very sensitive subject and we want to resolve it as quickly as we can for all those involved.”