Councillor calls on faster actions at Cemetery following 20% increase on Burial charges

In recent years Cllr Dickinson ward member for Druiridge Bay has worked with Council Officers to try and find solutions to the drainage issues that cause massive issues at the local Cemetery.

Work has been carried out but hasn’t been successful enough to deal with the issues completely.

Since the May 2017 election Cllr Dickinson has been lobbying for proposals and options to be brought forward for consideration, agreement and work to start. The latest document was set to be provided to Councillor Dickinson in March and the end of March is fast approaching.

Councillor Dickinson said: “Since the shock increase of burial charges by the Conservative Administration I am concerned that information hasn’t yet been provided about the work they plan to do to resolve issues.”

“It cannot be fair to local families to raise costs by some 20% and still leave these issues at the Cemetery. Burials are often put on hold, double depths cannot be dug as the sides are collapsing during service, and this is all to do with inadequate drainage.”

“At a time that is distressing for families its simply not acceptable in my view.”

“Previous schemes haven’t worked as well as we’d like, I really hope Officer find a long-term solution. It’s extremely distressing for families when graves sink, are flooded or funerals are delayed. This problem isn’t going to go away on its own just like I’m not going to stop going on about it until its resolved.”

“Families already struggle to pay costs for burials and now they are having more money demanded from them.”