Neighbourhood, Environment & Communities Cabinet Member – Minutes – 25 January 2011

108 (19) WOODLANDS CREMATORIUM ENHANCEMENT FUND ASH VAULTS FACILITY – The Service Director Neighbourhood and Environment submitted a report seeking approval to draw from the Woodlands Crematorium Enhancement Fund to fund the creation of a new path and concrete base to create a new ash vaults facility at the site.

Over a number of years, visitors to the chapel at Woodlands Crematorium had donated various sums of money to the facility’s Enhancement Fund. In recent years the fund had been used to pay for small projects such as a path from the overflow car park to the crematorium, which was suitable for use by wheelchair users

Recently some members of the public had been making enquiries as to whether ash vaults (alternatively known as above ground vaults) were available to lease. In response to public demand, neighbouring authorities had introduced ash vaults and they had proven to be very popular. Examples had been placed on display in the cemetery grounds and they had generated significant interest.

The report confirmed that there was a clear public demand for an ash vaults facility to be created at Woodlands and that the use of the Enhancement Fund was suitable for the development of the infrastructure associated with this development.

Resolved – That the use of the Woodland Crematorium Enhancement Fund to provide a path and base for the creation of an ash vaults facility as described within the report be approved.

109 (20) WOODLANDS CREMATORIUM ENHANCEMENT FUND SIGNAGE IMPROVEMENTS – The Service Director Neighbourhood and Environment submitted a report seeking approval to draw from the Woodlands Crematorium Enhancement Fund to purchase new signage and notice boards for the cemetery grounds.

In 2009 Woodlands Cemetery was awarded Green Flag status and in 2010 the judges re-accredited the site. In their feedback following the inspection, the judges indicated that some new directional signs and notice boards were required to assist members of the public when visiting the cemetery. It was explained that re-accreditation of the site in 2011 could be put in jeopardy should the council not take the required action.

Four signposts and four notice boards were needed to comply with the judges’ advice. It was necessary that the signage and notice boards be of the same design as those already in use on the site. The Service Director Finance confirmed that it was appropriate to use the Enhancement Fund for this purpose.

Resolved – the use of the Woodland Crematorium Enhancement Fund to purchase new signage and notice boards as described within the report be approved.