Stroud Cemetery: Final Appeal
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16 May 2011
Managers of Stroud’s Bisley Road Cemetery are making a final appeal to 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.
Sixteen months ago, following a rising number of complaints, letters were sent to 137 known grant (plot) holders, along with onsite notices and wider publicity, asking them to make changes.
The move was made ‘reluctantly’ but was 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 mourners, the Cemetery Regulations were amended to allow a small garden area in front of each gravestone.
Managers say they are pleased that the majority of families have already modified their plots. However there is concern that around 57 plots remain unaltered. Grant holders now have less than a month to make alternative arrangements. After Monday June 27th any remaining kerbstones or edgings will be removed and placed into safe storage for three months.
“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 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.”
The Town Council has twice written to every registered grant holder with an unauthorised memorial still in place. However it is concerned that an additional 24 plots have no known contact details. 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: 19th May 2011
Pic by Andy Read