More than 700 roses were bought by bereaved families between 2001 and 2011 and planted in a memorial garden at Salisbury Crematorium. But according to the council the plants have been "severely and permanently damaged" by deer. Councillors have now agreed to a compensation scheme, which could cost the authority up to £8,500.
The memorial roses had been available as part of a 10-year agreement but that was stopped two years ago as the plants could not be protected from deer damage. Last February, the decision was made not to cull or relocate the animals. Since then the animals have continued to eat the remaining memorial roses in the crematorium grounds, as well as flowers left on graves in the cemetery.
"They are particularly keen on roses," said Reg Williams, from Salisbury City Council. "It's several hundred plants that have been eaten, to the point that they're barely recognisable. We have all the records of the people who purchased through the rose memorial scheme and will be writing to them and hoping they will be happy with the level of compensation."
3 comments:
At least a living thing enjoyed the flowers. I never liked flowers in funerals. What good does it serve since they're dead people anyway?
Ah, it seems to make those left behind happy to place flowers on the graves. Go figure.
But paying out because deer ate the roses is akin to lunacy. I spend too much of my time shaking my head at the stupidity of the million.
Next they will be putting labels on toasters that say do not immerse in water...oh, wait
Here, have these plant genitals as a mark of respect and loss. And while you're at it, take a deep sniff.
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