Agenda and minutes

The Chair to note any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Vicky Culbard (Deputy Chair) and Councillor Alan Bottwood.

Members to state any interests.

There were none.

The Chair to note public address requests.

The public can speak on any agenda item for a maximum of three minutes per speaker per item.  You are not required to register your intention to speak in advance but should arrive at the meeting a few minutes early, complete a Public Address Protocol and notify the Scrutiny Officer of your intention to speak.

Mr Abdul Ali, St George’s Mosque, addressed the Scrutiny Panel on agenda item 5(a).  Mr Ali commented on the need for a seven day cemetery service.  The Muslim community bury their deceased as soon as possible.  He suggested this as a possible recommendation for the Panel to consider.  He also asked for there to be toilet and washing facilities at cemeteries.  Mr Ali concluded his address by conveying his concern on the shortage of burial space and what will happen when it is full.  The specific area at Towcester Road cemetery is getting filled up very quickly; there is a need for extra land for cemetery space.  It was suggested that potential extra land for burials is a potential recommendation of the final report.

Mr Thomas Appleyard and Mrs Pateman addressed the Scrutiny Panel on agenda item 6.

Mrs Pateman commented that Mrs Coolman and herself would like to thank the members of the panel for taking the time to visit Dallington Cemetery in November 2017.   She did not agree with a number of points from the Panel’s site visit report:  She did  not feel that Dallington cemetery is of a high standard or it is well maintained. The whole cemetery has been deemed by several people they have spoken to as a dark and dismal place due to the number of trees and shrubs that have become extremely overgrown and need attention. Boundary fences need to be repaired in several places as the gaps only serve to provide access for people who have no interest in the Cemetery. Recently, an adult on a scrambling bike was sighted near the grave plots overlooking Kings Heath where access can be gained through the shrubs. Mrs Pateman referred to her own inspections, commenting that litter bins are constantly overflowing, and many of the wire bins are not fit for purpose as they are bent out of shape.  The water tanks are in working order, but there are only three in the whole of the cemetery and none in the lower part which overlooks Kings Heath, making it difficult for relatives to fetch and carry water to graves in these areas.   There are only 3 dog bins in situ.  Several dog walkers use the cemetery.  The 3 roundabouts on the main avenue are in poor condition, especially the one at the end, with traffic cones permanently sited there. This is a place where funeral cortege’s park, whilst burials take place and is not a pleasant place for mourners to wait in any case as it is very dark and dreary due to the overgrown trees.  Mrs Pateman concluded her address advising that whenever a grave is excavated for a burial, the lack of care and attention is unacceptable as mud and other debris is left on the paths and grass prior to and after the burial has taken place which is disrespectful to the mourners.

Mr Appleyard commented that he had visited Dallington Cemetery; and was surprised that the report of the Panel  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The Scrutiny Panel to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 9 November 2017.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 November 2017 were signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record.

The Scrutiny Panel to receive a response to its core questions from a number of Expert Advisors

The Chair advised that contact had been made with various groups, forums and associations but no written evidence had been received, however,  a number of service users had previously written to the Panel and addressed it; the comments of which would be included in the final report.

The Chair drew the Panel’s attention to the written report of the War Graves Commission.  The Panel commented on how immaculate the war graves are kept.

It was suggested that the Imperial War Graves Procedures Guide would be useful for the Panel to have sight of; the Scrutiny Officer undertook to circulate this to the Panel.

The evidence received would inform the Scrutiny Review.

The Scrutiny Panel to consider a briefing note detailing the findings from its recent site visit to Dallington cemetery.

Councillor Meredith presented the report of the site visit to the Panel and highlighted the salient points.  He referred the Panel to the conclusions and potential recommendations following the site visit.

The Co Optee referred to a Regulations Guidance Booklet for cemeteries and queried why this no longer existed. It was a useful document for service users.

In response to a query regarding the cutting back of trees on cemeteries; the Scrutiny Panel heard that it often depended upon the extent of the problem.  It can be a sensitive situation.  Initially Officers will start a negotiation process with the service user.  However, if the tree is causing damage or is a health and safety issue a decision has to be made regarding the wider implications.  Each situation is looked at individually.