Child grave tribute law petition rejected by minister

Image caption, Some parents claimed they had not been given any warning about the clear-up plan

Calls for a Wales-wide law stating what tributes can be placed on children's graves have been rejected by ministers.

It follows a row over the removal of personal items from graves in Torfaen which were sent to rubbish tips.

Nearly 2,000 people signed a petition calling for legislation on the issue.

Public Services Minister Leighton Andrews said he was sympathetic but believed it was a matter for each local authority to "develop and justify their own approaches".

Torfaen council said in June 2014 it had organised the clear-up because the over-personalisation of graves in some cemeteries had prompted complaints and made maintenance difficult.

The authority apologised for any upset, but said it had made efforts to inform people about the clear-up and had allowed them two months to collect any items they wanted to keep.