New Rules In Fall River?

Residents who have loved ones laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery are not happy with idea of new rules.

Brenda Halliday tells The Herald News that when she went to visit the area where both her son and mother have been laid to rest, the Christmas tree and angel at their grave site, were gone.

She was very upset that the cemetery staff didn’t tell her in advance that folks were not allowed to leave mementos any longer.

The Herald News also says that the former cemetery director Tom Eaton, who was one of several department heads to be laid off by new Mayor Jasiel Correia, has retired. This leaves the city’s parks director, also in charge of all 6 cemeteries in Fall River.

Mayor Jasiel Correia issued an apology saying he wishes to apologize to all who have been affected and that the matter is being looked into.

City Council Linda M Pereira addressed the issue at this past weeks meeting saying it was wrong that people were not notified if cemetery rules have changed and sentimental items were being thrown out. She also voiced concerns that there are no regular operation hours at Oak Grove Cemetery since Eaton’s retirement.

There is concern that vases and objects left at grave sites can break which can cause harm to workers while they are taking care of the grounds. One worker was struck by glass, which cut his lower eyelid while he was using his weed-whacker.