Burial procedures
Only wooden coffins or caskets can be used unless otherwise authorised by the council. A nameplate should be fixed to each coffin or casket.
Burial excavation procedures
Graves can only be excavated by someone appointed to do so by the council.
Prior to a funeral the grave will be excavated and dressed with artificial matting. The excess soil will be placed on the nearest adjacent area.
Space restrictions sometimes mean this may be another grave space. Where this is the case, grave adornments will be removed, the grave covered, and the area reinstated following the burial. The grave owner or the family will be informed wherever possible.
The grave diggers will have a discreet presence at the burial to ensure that everything is in place. Once the mourners have left the graveside the grave will be backfilled using the soil that has been placed nearby.
Grave reinstatement
In the weeks following a burial the soil will compress and the mound will reduce. Once the soil has settled the council will level the grave and apply grass seed.
Number of burials in a grave
A grave space subject to an Exclusive Right of Burial would usually be expected to allow 1, 2 or 3 interments. The burial of cremated remains is allowed up to a maximum of 6 within each grave space.
A family ashes plot will hold up to 4 interments of ashes.
A Garden of Remembrance plot will hold 1 internment of ashes.
A baby section plot will hold 1 internment of ashes.
Occasionally soil or ground conditions may require a reduction in these numbers. The council will not accept liability or responsibility in these circumstances.
More than one burial at any one time in a grave will need to be authorised by the council and authorisation is required for each interment.
When any grave is re-opened for another burial no person shall disturb or remove any human remains already interred.
Funeral directors
The funeral director or persons arranging the funeral should ensure that there are sufficient bearers to carry out the service. Council officers will not assist in the moving, carrying or lowering of the deceased.