Memorial garden's smell is foul - visitors claim
Council bosses have come under fire over the state of a remembrance garden, with one family accusing them for lacking respect for loved ones.
Sandwell Council said it would remove the dead flowers left in vases at the area in Rowley Regis Crematorium.
It comes after couple George and Lilian Johnson visited from Kidderminster, only to leave 'incensed' at the foul smell in the garden caused by stagnant water and flowers.
The couple had visited to lay flowers in memory of Mrs Johnson's father.
Mrs Johnson, aged 70, originally from Langley, said: "It is not the first time we have been there and it has been in a mess," she said.
"Some of those flowers have been dead for weeks and the smell from the vases is atrocious.
"Surely they employ someone to clear away the debris and dead flowers?
"I'm thankful I didn't take any other relatives. I wouldn't want them to be confronted by this mess.
"It's a shame, I don't think I'll be going there again.
Her husband Mr Johnson, aged 71, said: "Nobody seems to be worried about cleaning it up.
"I get so incensed. Somebody needs to pay attention.
"It is advertised as a place that is peaceful and respectful, then to be confronted by this is quite a blow.
"It's very upsetting and there are going to be a lot of other people who are upset."
Sandwell Council said it had to consider families who wish to remove flowers themselves, but accepted that flowers had clearly been dead for a while.
Improvements are being made to the garden of remembrance while the site's chapel will double in size to accommodate larger groups of mourners.
Council leader Darren Cooper said: "We do routinely remove dead flowers at both Rowley Regis and Sandwell Valley Crematoria but we are mindful there are many instances where families visit weekly and often prefer to remove and replace floral tributes themselves.
"However, our cemetery team will ensure those dead flowers which are still remaining are removed as soon as possible.
"We are currently modernising the chapel and it is our intention to also carry out improvement works to the garden of remembrance. This will include new memorials and landscaping schemes to replace the rose beds."
CCTV will also be fitted at the crematorium in a bid to deter thieves.
