In 2014 the Council reviewed the cemetery regulations to govern the Cemeteries in London Road, Woodman Road and Lorne Road.

The 2014 review proved beneficial to both informing residents and the bereaved of their rights as set out in the Exclusive Right of Burial (ERB) holder.

However, since the introduction of the ERB there has been a noted increase in the trend to place pots, containers, plants and ornaments on a burial plot.

Often these items are left on a burial plot even after the plants have perished or ornaments have deteriorated. This can result in numerous empty pots/containers remaining on or around a grave.

This gives an unkept or neglected look to the cemetery, detracting from its appearance for all users.

An amendment to the current Cemetery Regulations was sought in order to take a sympathetic but practical approach to address the issue of excessive or uncared for items being left on a burial plot.

Further, it was clarified that the approach to the introduction of the amendment woul dbe sympathetic and achieved over a period of time through contact with plot holders and appropriate signage. 

A motion was  MOVED  by Cllr Parker and  SECONDED  by Cllr Bridge to approve the recommendations in the report.

Following a full discussion a vote was taken by a show of hands and it was  RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:

1.     That Members approve the amendment to the current cemetery regulations as set out in Section 4.2 of the report.

Reasons for Recommendation

Cemeteries are a sensitive and emotionally emotive area of operation within the Council.  As such, any actions taken must be carried out first and foremost with the families of all those buried in the cemetery in mind, and the feelings of those individuals.  For this reason, it is important that the Council act as an intermediary in controlling what is placed on a grave within one of its sites.

To allow for greater control and regularisation of the placing of ornaments, pots, containers and floral tributes on graves.

To ensure that the visual appeal of the cemetery is preserved for all those visiting the facility.