Don't ban our grieving (From Western Telegraph)

Don't ban our grieving

As a mother remembers the son she lost almost a year ago in a road accident, she learns she may no longer be able to lay a tribute at the scene of his death.

According to police and councillors across Wales roadside tributes pose a danger to other road users.

All four Welsh police forces have written to the 22 councils in Wales to find a solution.

Some councils are now removing tributes.

Teresa Sinnott, from Goodwick, lost her son a year ago when the car he was a passenger in lost control, crashing into a stone wall in a field.

At the site near Manorowen, Fishguard, of the accident which claimed the lives of William Gwythor, aged 19, and 21-year-old Euros Bowen, flowers and a picture of the boys still remain a year on.

Ms Sinnott said: "My daughter feels closer to her brother at the accident site than at the cemetery. Nobody will stop her laying flowers there. It is wrong to stop bereaved families laying tributes, it is a part of the grieving process."

Inspector Nigel Hayes of the Divisional Roads Policing Unit said: "We do respect the rights of the bereaved. A tribute on the side of the road can act as a reminder that a fatality has occurred encouraging the driver to take more care.

"However, tributes of an excessive size can be a dangerous distraction.

"Local police have, in the past, actually closed roads in order for relatives and friends to lay flowers and tributes.

"This topic is to be addressed at a Senior Traffic Officers' conference to be held soon."

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: "Pembrokeshire County Council does not currently have a formal policy regarding roadside floral tributes.