Cemetery Regulations
BICKER CEMETERY REGULATIONS
These regulations have been compiled by Bicker Parish Council to form the basis for the proper control and management of the cemetery, and are designed to be fair to all users and visitors, and for the greater good of all. They are in place in order that the cemetery can be maintained to the highest possible standard for the present day and for many years to come. The regulations also take into account issues that have been approved by the Parish Council. The Parish Council reserves the right to request the removal of, or remove itself, any object that does not comply with these regulations.
Any enquiries or complaints must be made to the Council via the clerk and not to workmen in the cemetery.
Dogs are not permitted in the cemetery, except guide dogs, or dogs accompanying a person attending a funeral. Permitted dogs must be kept on a lead and any dog fouling, should be cleared away immediately by the dog owner.
No bicycles are allowed in the cemetery.
No person shall drop, throw or otherwise deposit and leave in the cemetery any wastepaper or refuse of any kind, except in the litter bins provided.
MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP
After an interment has taken place in a grave and a reasonable time has elapsed for the natural subsidence of the earth used to fill the grave, the surface of the grave will be levelled and properly covered.
No monument or memorial shall be placed in the cemetery or any additional inscription be made on a monument or memorial without the prior consent of the Parish Council, via the clerk.
GRAVE SIZES - Burials
Persons approved by the Parish Council will prepare all graves.
Burial sites are 8 feet x 4 feet.
The exclusive ‘Right of Burial’ in a grave may be purchased at any time on payment of the appropriate fee. The ‘Right’ is granted for a period of 50 years. On expiry the Council may renew, subject to any restrictions or regulations that may be in force at the time. If no request for renewal is made the Council will grant a renewed Right to another person, but before doing so will, where possible, notify the previous owner or personal representative. Graves will not be available for selection in areas not currently active.
Nothing is to be placed on the site of the grave other than a recommended memorial. No vases, artefacts, plants or shrubs are to be placed on the grassed area. If any items are found to be on the grassed area, (after the initial burial), these will be removed by the Council’s contractors.
MEMORIALS
A memorial may only be erected on a grave space within the cemetery in accordance with these regulations and upon payment of the appropriate fee. Memorials may only be erected on purchased graves. Application for the approval of a new memorial, alter or add an inscription to an existing memorial must be submitted to the Council, via the clerk. Approval of the application must be given before work shall be undertaken. Memorials must be constructed of granite, marble, slate or other hard stone, which must be durable and sound, and keeping in kind with surrounding memorials.
Wooden crosses will only be permitted as a temporary memorial, set at the head of the grave, for a maximum period of six months Kerbs and surrounds must not be constructed on any burial grounds in the cemetery. Similarly, hanging chain linked fences will not be permitted.
The Council reserves the right to remove any monument or memorial, which has become, or is likely to become, dangerous.
RECOMMENDED MEMORIALS –
The base shall be of pre-cast stone or concrete suitably reinforced and not less than 3 inches in thickness. The foundation shall be set into the ground to at least half of its thickness below the surface.
The maximum dimensions of any memorial upon the grave shall be
Height – 4 feet
Width – 3 feet (single space) 7 feet (double space)
Depth – 18 inches
Any plinths, bases or vases must be contained within the above measurements.
Photographic plaques, either ceramic or other approved material (max 4” in height by 3.5” in width) may be affixed to monuments.
A single trade name may be inscribed on the right hand side of the base in characters no more than .5” in height.
Although the Parish Council, in accordance with the Burial Association, does carry out periodic checks on monuments and memorials all persons entering the Cemetery do so at their own risk and the Parish Council will not accept any liability for injuries or damage sustained, however caused. This regulation does not affect your statutory rights.
CREMATED REMAINS PLOTS
Persons employed by the Council will prepare all burial sites. Burial sites for ashes are 2 feet wide by 2 feet 6 inches. Up to a maximum of four separate ashes are allowed per plot. No vases, artefacts, plants or shrubs are to be placed on the grassed area of the site. If any items are found to be on the grassed area (after the initial burial) these will be removed by the Councils contractors
MEMORIALS
Any memorial erected upon a cremated remains plot must be set upon the pre-cast plinth provided by the Parish Council and not exceed the following dimensions.
Height 20 inches
Width 18 inches
Depth 12 inches
Flower vases are allowed, but must be incorporated within the above measurements.
The Council reserve the right to remove floral tributes or wreaths which have deteriorated or become unsightly and dispose of them in such a manner as they deemed fit.
The Parish Council may, after an appropriate time after burial, level graves by either removing or replacing soil, depending on the graves condition, to aid with future maintenance.
FEES
The Parish Council will determine fees for the cemetery services annually. A copy of which is available from the clerk
GENERAL
All rubbish and waste material, including wreaths and floral tributes, which have been removed from graves, should be disposed of in the litter bins provided.
The Parish Council is empowered to alter or amend these regulations to introduce further, or consider amendments to existing rules as they consider necessary.