Agenda item

The Council’s Head of Green Spaces, Sport and Culture, Paul Richards, provided the Committee with an update on the implementation of actions resulting from the earlier review into regulations and byelaws relating to cemeteries and burial grounds.

The Committee was informed that the recommendations that resulted from the previous review had been implemented, though had been revised over the past few years to include the Ghurkha burial area at Cherry Lane Cemetery, changes to the purchase of Exclusive Right of Burial regulations (back to 100 years, from 30), the Muslim area at West Drayton Cemetery, and changes to when Christmas memorials were removed (now removed in March). 

Hillingdon now had three Green Flag Awarded Cemeteries; Northwood Cemetery, Cherry Lane Cemetery and West Drayton Cemetery. The Crematorium also had a Green Flag. As well as Green Flag awards, the Council had also been awarded Small Cemetery of the Year for West Drayton Cemetery. The Green Flag Award process had maintained management plans for each of the sites, and these were available to view and download from the Council website under the heading ‘Green Flag management Plan’.

Anti-social behaviour at the sites occurred on occasion, though the main issue was the perception of  certain mourning practices (such as holding a celebratory event to mark a death) being seen by some as disrespectful. Recent concerns of potential vandalism at Northwood Cemetery, with flowers being removed or cut off, were found to be due to grazing Muntjac deer. To address this, the Council was reviewing options for fencing and cattle grids. CCTV was to be introduced at Cherry Lane and West Drayton following concerns over theft from cars and maintenance yards.

Regarding the cemetery regulations, these were distributed to all funeral directors, who manage the funerals. Directors ask that all families sign a form to say that they have read the regulations and agree to uphold them. These include regulations over memorials, which have now been standardised with regard to size and design. Health and Safety regarding size remained a key consideration.

All cemeteries were maintained in-house by Green Spaces, with the administrative support provided by colleagues in Business Support. In line with one of the recommendations to Cabinet, Green Spaces had investigated the potential for machinery to process clay from the sites, but unfortunately there was no machinery available.

A toilet had been installed at West Drayton Cemetery and, following a break-in that resulted in major repair work, now awaited cleaning before being opened to the public. Toilet facilities were available on request at Northwood Cemetery, and options were being reviewed for the other sites. A shelter had been installed in the new extension at West Drayton Cemetery.

The Arch at Hillingdon & Uxbridge was still under hoarding to make it safe. The Council had explored possible uses and funding for the building, though none had been successful so far. A Grounds Maintenance team had also been established at this cemetery, reducing travel time and increasing the efficiency of the team.

To ensure future resiliency, an extension area had been created at West Drayton Cemetery to ensure the Council could offer residents their cemetery of choice. The Muslim area in this cemetery was now in use, and it had been agreed with the Muslim community to lay this section like the rest of the cemetery, (i.e. as lawn sections with concrete beams), to enable headstones to be installed.

A woodland burial continued to be offered via West Drayton Cemetery, though current interest was limited.

Proposed enhancements to Cherry Lane Cemetery included new fencing, extensions to the path network, and improved drainage. Expansion plans for Northwood Cemetery were to be considered. Paths at Harmondsworth Cemetery had been re-laid.

Members asked a number of questions, including:

What was being done to address concerns over the perceived disrespect resulting from different mourning practices?

This remained difficult, as often the issues arose from a lack of understanding of different cultures and traditions. The Council was helping residents understand that in most cases the issue was not one of disrespect, but was due to a different approach to the marking of death.

Had any modelling been done to assess capacity requirements for cemetery sites in future years?

Modelling had been carried out, which had forecast that burials and cremations would increase in line with an expanding borough population. However, this had not been the case, as many chose to use services outside of Hillingdon. To support this choice, an unattended funeral service was now offered at Breakspear Crematorium. In an effort to address future capacity issues, expansion work at several sites was being considered.

Could residents reserve burial plots in advance?

The pre-purchase of plots was now limited to a plot + 1 (i.e. the adjoining plot), and must be purchased by the family, rather than an agent or representative.

Regarding the re-laying of paths of Harmondsworth Cemetery, were these wide enough for wheelchair access?

Yes, paths were designed to be wheelchair accessible. However, there were issues with residents driving cars on grass, particularly at Northwood Cemetery, and so parking provision was being reviewed.

What was being done to address litter in and around cemeteries?

The Ground Maintenance team were now managed by Green Spaces, and worked closely with the Street Cleaning team to address such issues. The team routinely cleaned up the sites but welcomed any notification of issues to be addressed.

How was the Council engaging with the ‘friends of cemeteries’?

Previously, the Council had regularly engaged with these groups, but once the issues raised by the groups had been addressed, contact was required less. Site staff did continue to engage with the groups on site.

Members highlighted their disappointment that the most recent Remembrance service at West Drayton Cemetery had not included flower displays. Officers shared this disappointment, and advised that this was due to difficulties with planting flowers to bloom in that period of the year. Improvements were being looked at for future years.

RESOLVED:  That the information be noted.