Help Shape the Future of Haverhill Cemetery
Wednesday, 18th February 2009.
People who visit Haverhill Cemetery are being invited to feedback their views on the management and maintenance of the site during two special information days taking place next week.
The open days, which are the first of their kind to be held by St Edmundsbury Borough Council, will take place in the Cemetery Chapel on Withersfield Road on Saturday (21 February) and Thursday 26 February. Everyone who visits the cemetery, from bereaved families, relatives and friends to those who use the grounds for walking, is invited to attend between 10am and 2pm and fill in a questionnaire.
The survey will ask for views on the current service offered at the 140-year cemetery, along with possible changes in the future. Subjects such as security, memorials and grounds maintenance will all be covered, as well as whether vehicles and dogs should be allowed to access the site.
Cllr Lynsey Alexander, portfolio holder for culture and sport at St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said:
“Haverhill Cemetery is a special place for contemplation and remembrance which is close to the hearts of many people in the borough. As such, making sure the service we provide is sensitive, caring and professional – both now and into the future – is of vital importance.
“We want to make sure the service we offer at our cemeteries maintains its community focus and flexibility, meeting the needs of the bereaved in a caring and dignified manner. We hope that by running two events, as many people as possible will be able to come along and share their views with us on the future of this important site.
“Anyone is welcome – from those who visit loved ones regularly to others who may occasionally walk through the cemetery.”
A draft cemeteries strategy, drawn up in consultation with funeral directors, stone masons and representatives of the clergy, was discussed by the Cabinet at a meeting last Wednesday.
Feedback from the information events will be used to shape the final version of the document, which is due for completion by late March.
The open days, which are the first of their kind to be held by St Edmundsbury Borough Council, will take place in the Cemetery Chapel on Withersfield Road on Saturday (21 February) and Thursday 26 February. Everyone who visits the cemetery, from bereaved families, relatives and friends to those who use the grounds for walking, is invited to attend between 10am and 2pm and fill in a questionnaire.
The survey will ask for views on the current service offered at the 140-year cemetery, along with possible changes in the future. Subjects such as security, memorials and grounds maintenance will all be covered, as well as whether vehicles and dogs should be allowed to access the site.
Cllr Lynsey Alexander, portfolio holder for culture and sport at St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said:
“Haverhill Cemetery is a special place for contemplation and remembrance which is close to the hearts of many people in the borough. As such, making sure the service we provide is sensitive, caring and professional – both now and into the future – is of vital importance.
“We want to make sure the service we offer at our cemeteries maintains its community focus and flexibility, meeting the needs of the bereaved in a caring and dignified manner. We hope that by running two events, as many people as possible will be able to come along and share their views with us on the future of this important site.
“Anyone is welcome – from those who visit loved ones regularly to others who may occasionally walk through the cemetery.”
A draft cemeteries strategy, drawn up in consultation with funeral directors, stone masons and representatives of the clergy, was discussed by the Cabinet at a meeting last Wednesday.
Feedback from the information events will be used to shape the final version of the document, which is due for completion by late March.
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