LEDBURY Town Council risks appearing "very unsympathetic" if cemetery regulations lead to a request for a double headstone over two graves being turned down.

That is the warning from mayor Keith Francis, who said of the request from a local family: "I think we'll be seen as very unsympathetic if we don't take into account what people want."

Coun Jo Cooper agreed when the matter was discussed at last week's environment and leisure committee. She said: "If that's what the family wants, then we shouldn't be picky. I don't see why a petty rule should upset anyone."

Current regulations mean that all graves at the cemetery must have one headstone and that must be no wider that 2ft 6 inches.

The recommendation from the environment and leisure committee to full council, which will meet on Thursday, October 2, is for the request for a double headstone to be turned down.

The proposed headstone would be 5ft wide and 3ft high.

Coun Martin Eager, chairman of the environment and leisure committee, said a double grave could cause problems with lawnmowing.

He said it could also block the way for visitors trying to make their way between graves and would not be in keeping with the rest of the cemetery.

Coun Clive Jupp warned of insurance implications "if someone falls over a headstone not part of the rules".