A Co Down family have outlined the hurt they felt when a letter came to their home asking to remove items from their son's grave.
Jaiden Milligan died on Sunday July 17, 2022, holding his parents' hands. Preliminary results showed that the child had multiple problems with his heart, with his parents Caylan and Charlotte seeking more answers surrounding his death.
The three-year-old was buried in Struell Cemetery in Downpatrick and as his family await his headstone to be erected, they added personal touches to his graveside, with his favourite toys and fairy lights.
READ MORE: Parents' heartache as toddler dies after he's sent home from A&E
At the weekend, a letter addressed to Jaiden's mum from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council detailed that the placing of certain items at the grave was "prohibited".
It stated that the removal of a statue and lights on Jaiden's grave should be arranged "as soon as possible".
Speaking to Belfast Live, Jaiden's dad said: "We heard stories that other families got letters. Then we got a letter too, and thought ‘What? How?’.
"We can understand that they want us to remove certain things, but they have to remember that this our loved one. Our baby.
"It is bad enough that we have to visit our son in a graveyard. Graveyards should be about remembrance an happy thoughts, not thinking about council rules.
"On Jaiden's grave we have his toys that he played with and lights because he was afraid of the dark. He had a night light at home and in hospital, so we wanted a light on his grave. We don't want to remove them.
"After getting the letter, we did remove a statue that was there, but not the lights. This is our son. When we got the letter, Charlotte wanted to just go take everything off. I said no.
"We were quite angry but that has settled now. We understand the council has ground work to do, but this is our baby. It is really tough."
The letter from the council said that whilst the council "understand you are grieving and decorating the grave is a way to help this process, I unfortunately have to highlight you a section of the council's rules and regulations booklet".
It went on to details that the council "will not allow the erection of" certain items such as ornaments or flowerpots.
A spokesperson for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council told Belfast Live that council understands the sensitivity of the matter.
"Struell Municipal Cemetery in Downpatrick is a lawn cemetery, which provides space at the head of each grave for the placement of a headstone and cut flowers and wreaths," they added.
"Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has written to plot owners to remind them of this policy and ask that they remove any additional materials to allow for the safe maintenance of family graves.
"The Council understands that this is a sensitive matter and appreciates action already taken by plot owners to comply with this request. All plot owners are invited to contact the Council to discuss any particular concerns or difficulties they may have."
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