Memorials

Since Victorian times, memorials have been erected on graves as a permanent reminder of family and loved ones.

Memorial benches

The council can arrange for the purchase and installation of memorial benches. The placement of benches is restricted to certain locations within the cemetery.

Memorial benches are subject to application approval and will be maintained by the council for 15 years, after this period maintenance and/or repairs are the applicant's responsibility. 

Should the bench become unsafe, the council reserves the right to remove the bench.

No vases or ornaments are permitted to be attached or deposited near the bench at any time. 

Memorial trees

The council can arrange for the purchase and installation of memorial trees. Prices can be found in our current fees and charges, and a copy of these are available on request by contacting the office on 01455 238141. 

The placement of trees is restricted to certain locations within the cemetery. 

Tributes of any description (excluding dedication plaques) must not be left around the tree and the council reserves the right to remove such items without notice.

Dedication plaques can only be purchased from the council. 

Memorial safety inspections

It is often assumed that memorials are permanent structures that have been installed to the highest quality and will last forever without any need for repair. This assumption is incorrect and poorly maintained memorials have led to fatalities in cemeteries, however, the risk to visitors remains low.

On the advice of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council is carrying out inspections of all memorials in its cemeteries and closed churchyards.

You might find that a memorial of a friend or loved one has been found to be dangerous and action has been taken to make it safe. This might mean, for example, that the memorial has a safety notice displayed, or a structural support attached. It is important that you do not touch or interfere in any way with a memorial that has been found to be unsafe. If you are the grave owner or their heir(s), it is important that you contact the Cemetery Office as soon as possible.

The responsibility for the ongoing maintenance of individual memorials rests with the owner of the rights of burial, or another person granted the right to place and maintain a memorial on a grave space. This includes responsibility for making memorials safe, if they are found to be dangerous during safety inspections.

To get your memorial repaired, you will need to contact a memorial mason who is registered to work within our borough's cemeteries. A list of approved memorial masons is available from the Cemetery Office on request.

If the council are unable to find owners for memorials, or if relatives are unwilling to pay for a repair, then the council will act to permanently make the memorial safe. This will be done by either part burying the memorial or laying it flat.

Rules and regulations

To request a full copy of the Ashby Road Cemetery rules and regulations, please contact the Cemetery office on 01455 238141. 

Last updated: ‎12/03/2024 11:20