Why are we consulting?

We wish to consult with local residents, stakeholders and bereaved parents in particular, regarding the content and introduction of a tribute policy for the shared grave area within Longden Road Cemetery, Shrewsbury. 

This is a public consultation and we welcome input from all that have an interest. However, weighting will be given to those responses from bereaved parents and families that have a loved one buried within the shared grave area at Longden Road Cemetery.

We do not have a predetermined view of what a future tribute policy should include and very much wish to receive your comments and opinion.

We have a short questionnaire which you can access by clicking on the "How to get involved" tab above.

Background information regarding tributes on the shared graves

During October 2014 all shared graves in the new part of the cemetery were cleared of personal tributes, although not by Shropshire council.  All tributes were placed at the rear of the shared graves and families were asked to collect them.  Recently these tributes were removed altogether. 

Although not in any way involved with the removal of the tributes we were deeply sorry to hear of the genuine upset and anguish removal of tributes had caused some families connected with the shared graves. 

Following the removal of tributes from shared graves, the interim position adopted by the council was to allow families to place floral tributes on these graves whilst time was taken to reflect upon and seek views on the formation of and whether a tribute policy for these graves was necessary.

Previously we did not have a tribute policy specifically in place for the shared graves.  We do have in place a Lawn Grave Regulation (October 2008), although it had become customary for bereaved parents to place a wide range of tributes on the shared graves and we had not sought to apply regulation in the shared grave area.

Other than to avoid injury or causing offense, we do not have a predetermined view of what tributes if any should be allowed on the shared graves. However, families have made it known that they would like policy or guidelines in place so that everyone who visits or is connected with the shared graves is informed and clear about what is acceptable. 

Comments made to us so far and left on local media websites cover a broad range of views however most can be considered to belong to one of 3 categories as follows:

1. Those families that had wanted the tributes to be removed and prefer how the graves now look.
2. Those families that preferred the graves as they were previously and had not wanted tributes to be removed. 
3. Those families that are since glad that tributes have been removed from the graves but would like to leave some form of tribute in future and have clarity on what is accepted. 

We want to help resolve this period of anguish and uncertainty and are consulting to obtain views in order to assist develop and decide upon a future policy and way forward.

Further information

The shared grave plots are owned by the council and historically the local branch of Sands (the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity) has voluntarily helped to maintain the unpurchased areas and has also funded and arranged for headstones to be installed and inscribed.   The grassed areas around the shared graves will continue to be maintained by our on site contractor.  There are 26 unpurchased shared graves and each of the graves may have received up to 18 burials.  Adjacent to the shared graves are individual purchased graves. When a grave is purchased the purchaser receives certain exclusive rights regarding future burials and memorialisation that are not applicable to the shared graves.

Discussion has taken place with national Sands regarding the creation of a new memorial garden, remembrance and tribute area in the small space at the rear of the shared graves.

What will happen next

After the close of the consultation there will be a review of the responses received.  Depending on the range of responses received, for example if there is no clear majority view, it may be necessary for there to be a decision making process by elected Members of council or possibly a further consultation with reduced options.