The report before Members continued from the Committee report made at the November 2017 meeting where officers put forward an outline idea, for agreement in principle, to build a Memorial Wall scheme which would in turn enhance the appearance of Woodman Road Cemetery.

Since then the scheme had been developed further and new ideas had emerged.

The central area of the cemetery lent itself to becoming the next “section” to be developed, and rather than just building a wall there were some more attractive ready-made options available that were relatively easy to install, more cost effective than a wall, plus they stored ashes. By using a combination of granite “Columbaria” and granite “Sanctums” (Vaults) the development could provide an attractive and desirable memorial.

At the far end of the cemetery, the boundary fence was in a bad state of repair. By investing in good quality fencing, it would be possible to develop this area into a “pet” memorial section where a plaque could be purchased to place on the fence to remember a pet. It was not envisaged at this stage to register the Council for the appropriate licences to accept ashes from pets, but this would be reviewed.

A business case had been drawn up and was appended to the report as Appendix A   and approval was being sought from the Committee to proceed with the project.

Cllr Mrs Mckinlay MOVED and Cllr Kerslake SECONDED the recommendations in the report and following a full discussion a vote was taken on a show of hands and it was

RESOLVED

1.     That approval be given to the proposed design, fees and length of agreement; and, subject to compliance with procurement regulations and requirements, to order 60 Sanctums, 2 Columbaria, a bench and tree grill along with the appropriate construction necessary to allow for the fitting of these.

2.    That a section of boundary fencing be purchased, subject to compliance with procurement regulations and requirements, and used for displaying Pet Memorial Plaques, in a separate area from the human areas of the cemetery, at the proposed fee rate and length of agreement.

3.    That a report be made to the Environment and Enforcement Committee to propose a move away from ground interments of ashes or, alternatively, approve higher fees for ground interments of ashes wef 2019/20 or sooner.

Reason for recommendations

This scheme will enhance the appearance and attractiveness of Woodman Road cemetery. People will have more choice for storage of ashes and a peaceful place to sit and reflect upon their loved ones in a pleasant environment. It also introduces a memorial area for pets.