Plans to restrict how long flowers, messages and other tributes can remain in public spaces have faced strong opposition from local politicians.

The draft guidelines, which suggest a 14-day window before commemorations are removed, were described as misleading by one review panellist while another questioned whether they were required and urged cabinet members to exercise caution.

The plans would apply to roadside markers for road traffic collision victims, seating, inscriptions, and more elaborate commemorations such as those placed in Palmeira Square, Hove, following the militant assault in Israel on 7 October 2023.

Labour councillor Maureen Winder, Hanover And Elm Grove

Community advocate Mark Strong informed elected members that he was Jewish and asserted that while it was not being stated outright, he believed much of this discussion had been sparked by the Palmeira Square commemoration.

He explained that the tribute held deep significance for numerous individuals who had lost family members, including local residents whose relatives were murdered by extremists on that day.

He suggested that failing to acknowledge this context was somewhat insincere, noting that while council officials spoke of being understanding, they needed to acknowledge the powerful emotions people experienced when commemorating such events.

Mark Strong

Some attendees were uncertain whether family members seized as hostages might still be living and had organised gatherings at the site on their behalf.

Mr Strong also highlighted a provision in the document suggesting commemorative structures would require a two-decade period following someone’s death.

He observed that imposing a 20-year waiting period for something of this nature was challenging.

Members heard that war memorials were established across the nation well within 20 years, with several raising concerns about what some feared could become an inflexible and over-complicated system for dealing with mourning.

Ty Goddard Labour councillor for Moulsecoomb and Bevendean

Labour representative Ty Goddard questioned whether the guidance was needed at all, asking how compassionate and understanding the authority truly was when responding to community needs.

He cautioned members, not in a condescending manner, that they must handle this carefully. He expressed that two weeks seemed unreasonable.

Councillor Goddard also stated that two decades was excessive for permanent commemorations – a view shared by other elected members.

Anne Meadows Conservative candidate for Patcham by-election

Conservative representative Anne Meadows pointed out that relatives of those who died in the Hillsborough disaster did not have to endure a 20-year wait for their memorial.

She also argued that either two weeks or four weeks would prove insufficient for informal commemorations to remain.

Councillor Meadows stated that circumstances should be considered on an individual basis for each request.

She thanked members for consulting local ward councillors, as they were aware of the delicate nature of such matters.

Jacob Allen

Councillor Allen noted that permanent memorials honouring the disgraced broadcaster Jimmy Savile were erected within months of his death only to be taken down just as quickly.

Labour representative Maureen Winder proposed establishing a permanent panel involving local ward councillors where informal memorials existed to determine the most appropriate handling.

Labour representative Amanda Evans, who chairs the panel, suggested that 28 days – instead of 14 – would be more considerate for families dealing with sudden loss, as the period immediately after would be extremely difficult for them.

Flowers for baby Victoria in Brentwood Road, Hollingdean – Sarah Booker-Lewis, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Councillor Evans questioned whether asking bereaved families to visit a website, locate a specific form, and complete it was realistic or practical.

Labour representative Theresa Fowler, who represents Hollingdean and Fiveways, remembered the wave of public sorrow when an infant named Victoria was discovered during a nationwide police inquiry at Roedale Valley allotments in March 2023.

The child died while her parents Constance Marten and Mark Gordon were evading authorities. The couple have since been convicted of manslaughter through gross negligence.

Councillor Fowler described the situation as deeply distressing. She recalled that numerous residents attended, leaving soft toys and various items. However, after some time the display became unsightly as the flowers wilted.

She mentioned that a tree was intended to commemorate baby Victoria’s passing – and that elsewhere alternative remembrance methods existed, such as posts bearing people’s names.

She referenced the markers at the Chatsworth Park tribute site in Telscombe Cliffs, describing it as a tranquil location.

The draft guidelines were examined by Brighton and Hove City Council’s Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee at Hove Town Hall on Tuesday 24 March.

Labour representative Jacob Allen introduced the policy and explained that temporary floral tributes following a death would be permitted to remain for a fortnight under the proposals.

Should anyone wish for such temporary commemorations to stay longer, they could contact the council.

He referenced the sudden passing of a relative at a bus stop where a Brighton and Hove Albion team scarf formed part of the tribute.

The memorial remained for several years and ultimately caused additional upset for certain family members.

Councillor Allen, who holds the cabinet portfolio for customer services and public spaces, stated that local ward representatives would participate in discussions regarding how long commemorations remained, particularly those with political sensitivity.

He acknowledged that this was a matter requiring careful handling, recognising that a large administrative body was essentially determining when grieving should conclude.

He emphasised their aim to handle this with sensitivity, compassion and inclusivity while respecting shared public spaces.

The committee took note of the document, with the policy set to be examined before being submitted to a future cabinet session.