A ROSSENDALE mother who lost her three-year-old son is leading a campaign against a proposed clampdown on graveside keepsakes.

Karen King, 47, of Hardman Avenue, Rawtenstall, has set up a Facebook group after Rossendale Council banned any sentimental tributes, including those for babies, or young children, on new graves.

Her protest page, called ‘Where’s the compassion gone in this world? I am left totally heartbroken’, has attracted more than 550 supporters.

She said the council's policy had left her feeling as though she has lost her son 'all over again'.

She said: “I am absolutely disgusted by the council’s decision to try to control how people grieve.

“All the council needs to do is look at our Facebook pages about this topic.

“I get so much comfort from visiting my son’s grave and making it nice. I just can’t imagine what it would be like to be told I wasn’t able to have it like this.”

Mrs King’s son Steven Lee Asquith died aged three in 1999 after suffering an epileptic fit.

She visits his grave several times a week and maintains it herself.

Along with her friend, Sarah Healey, who has also set up a Facebook group ‘Stop Rossendale Council removing grieving families tributes’, they are calling on Rossendale MP Jake Berry to back their campaign.

Mother-of-three Sarah Healey, 37, of New Line, Bacup, said: “Grieving families should be allowed to decorate the plots they buy as they see fit.

“We are calling on everyone who feels the way we do to stand up and help us win the support of Jake Berry.”

Coun Christine Lamb said: “This policy has created some strong feelings among the community.

“We know Jake does not have the power to change council policy but he could write to the council on behalf of the community.”

Supporters are asked to meet outside Rawtenstall Library at 12.50pm on Saturday.