Cemetery: Final appeal to remove memorials
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13 Jan 2011
Managers of Stroud’s Bisley Road Cemetery say they are ‘very pleased’ with the response so far to an appeal for families to remove a range of kerbstones and memorials which have been installed without permission.
The 154-year-old cemetery on the eastern edge of the town is managed by Stroud Town Council on behalf of its owners, Stroud District Council. The New Cemetery, off Horns Road, was designed as a lawn cemetery, meaning grant holders should only install gravestones, leaving the remainder of the site as open grassland.
One year ago, following a rising number of complaints, letters were sent to 137 grant (plot) holders asking them to make changes. So far more than half of these plots have been modified by families. However managers are concerned that around 65 of these remain, and have issued a final appeal for families to make changes.
Managers say they made the move ‘reluctantly’ but needed to address complaints that the installations were making the New Cemetery untidy and making it dangerous for some people to access their family graves.
Of greatest concern was that in several places unauthorised kerbstones are actually blocking access. It means that machinery can not reach plots to dig new graves which have been reserved by families. To help families, the Cemetery Regulations have been amended to now allow a small garden area in front of each gravestone.
“We appreciate this is a sensitive issue,” said Town Clerk Sue Capener. “However when families have had the full reasons explained to them, they’ve understood the benefits and have been happy to make the changes.”
“Many have actually taken it as an opportunity to give their memorials a fresh look. In some cases our staff have helped and we’ve received many compliments about the improved appearance and the fact that it is easer for older visitors to access their family plots.”
After almost a year since the first appeal, grant holders now have just five months remaining to make alternative arrangements. After June any remaining kerbstones or edgings will be removed and placed into safe storage for three months.
The Town Council has this week written again to every registered grant holder with an unauthorised memorial still in place. However it is concerned that an additional 45 plots have no known contact details. It is keen to ensure everyone is made aware in plenty of time to take action.
If anyone is unsure whether their plot is affected and have not received a letter, staff at the Town Council office in London Road are happy to offer advice and assistance.
Article added online 16th January 2011
Picture by Andy Read