Baby P tributes to be removed

13 February 2009 07:11pm

Tributes left at the site where Baby P's ashes were scattered are to be removed.

Hundreds of toys, flowers, poems, cards and balloons have been left at the cemetery in Islington as a mark of respect for the toddler who was murdered in 2007 after suffering abuse at the hands of his mother, her boyfriend and another man.

But snow and rain have left many of the items in a poor state and having consulted Baby P's father cemetery staff will soon begin to clear the area.

Councillor Greg Foxsmith, Islington Council's executive member responsible for the cemetery, said: "It has been very moving to see how many people have visited the cemetery, many leaving mementoes.

"Out of respect, every tribute that was placed there has been left untouched by cemetery staff.

"Having consulted Baby P's dad and the relatives of other people whose ashes are scattered here, the area will now be returned to being a place of remembrance for all.

"We will therefore start to remove the flowers and plants - they will be composted and used in the cemetery. All of the cards, messages and toys will be carefully catalogued and kept.

"Unfortunately the toys have been damaged by the weather so can't be passed to charities to use.

"From now on we will be asking people who wish to remember Baby P to visit a spot in our rose gardens, close to this area.

"Of course it will still be possible to leave mementoes but we hope that instead of leaving toys, people will consider making a contribution to one of the many charities that help children. This would be a fitting tribute to Baby P."

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