Kingston Council has voted against enforcing a ban on plastic decorations at Kingston Cemetery, despite a petition signed by more than 1,200 people. The decision was made at a council meeting on October 16, 2026, where a motion to phase out plastics over three months was rejected by 33 votes to two, with three abstentions.
Petition highlights environmental concerns
Ecologist Alison Fure submitted the petition, calling on the council to better enforce its existing policy prohibiting plastic decorative items—including ornaments, artificial flowers, pots, windmills, and cellophane wrappers—at the cemetery, which is a Grade I Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC).
The petition stated that while "the cemetery should be a place of natural peace, dignity, and reflection... many areas are increasingly covered in cellophane wrappers, plastic plant pots, broken ornaments, artificial flowers, windmills, and general litter." It argued that this "accumulation not only detracts from the serenity of the grounds but also creates a massive environmental issue."
Alison told the meeting that plastic items often became litter that spread across the cemetery and gradually broke down into microplastics, which stayed in the environment and polluted the neighbouring Hogsmill River. She added that she had spent hours picking up plastic from the cemetery and that the problem had grown worse over time.
Council opts for educational approach
A report by council officers responding to the petition said the authority's focus was on collaboration rather than formally enforcing the ban. The report prioritised a "hearts and minds" educational campaign, including new signs and QR codes, to encourage visitors to stick to the rules. Staff were also told to remove plastic and cellophane wrappers from flowers during routine maintenance and to carry out litter picks in the cemetery twice a week.
Alison said the council needed to go further by writing to cemetery users asking them to remove plastic decorations, and clear those that remained in the next month, while also giving targets for how much plastic should be cleared by staff and when residents could expect to see improvements.
In a written statement supporting her petition, she added: "I would welcome the opportunity to support any initiative aimed at restoring the cemetery to a more natural and respectful environment over time. It will have to come eventually, and that time is now."
Councillors debate balance between environment and bereavement
Lib Dem Council Leader Andreas Kirsch promised the council would work with volunteers on the issue, but said it had to balance protecting the cemetery with the needs of bereaved families. Lib Dem Councillor Sam Foulder-Hughes said: "I want our approach to be based on compassion and empathy for the bereaved, and that to be balanced with our need to protect our biodiverse spaces."
Independent Councillor James Giles, who submitted the motion for a phased withdrawal of plastic decorations over three months, said: "I have sympathy with the arguments put forward, that there is a balance to be struck, but what is the point in having a policy... if that policy is never going to be enforced?" His motion was rejected, with 33 councillors voting against it, two in favour and three abstentions.
The council will continue its educational campaign and collaboration with volunteers, while Alison Fure has expressed willingness to support any initiative aimed at restoring the cemetery to a more natural and respectful environment over time.
