top of page

Cemetery
 

Wormegay Parish Council
Cemetery Regulations
18th February 2025
​​

Wormegay Parish Council: Cemetery Regulations Introduction

​

These regulations are made pursuant to the Local Authorities' Cemeteries Order 1977 and the Local Government Act 1972. They shall be known as the Wormegay Parish Council Cemetery Regulations and apply to the cemetery adjacent to Wormegay Parish Church.

 

Right of Access and Use

​

  1. The cemetery will be open to visitors daily from dawn until dusk.

  2. Children under 16 years must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult.

  3. Dogs are permitted within the cemetery but must be kept on a lead at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

  4. Vehicles are not permitted within the cemetery except for those required for funerals, maintenance, or monument installation.

  5. The selection of grave spaces is at the sole discretion of the council to ensure efficient use of cemetery land.

​

Conduct

​

  1. In accordance with the Local Authorities' Cemeteries Order 1977, it is an offence to:

    • Create a disturbance in the cemetery.

    • Commit any nuisance.

    • Interfere with any burial or grave, memorial, flowers, or plants.

    • Play any games or sports within the cemetery.

  2. The use of threatening, offensive, or abusive language is prohibited.

  3. Mourners assisting as bearers do so at their own risk, and it is recommended they consult with the funeral director for guidance.

​

Fees

​

  1. All fees for burial plots, interments, and memorials are non-negotiable and must be paid in full prior to any services being carried out.

  2. All fees and charges are subject to the current fees and charges schedule approved by the council, fees are subject to annual review. This schedule is available on the Parish Council’s website or upon request. 

 

Exclusive Right of Burial (EROB)

​

  1. The cemetery and each grave space remain the property of the council. Ownership of the land does not pass to the individual purchasing the EROB.

  2. EROB is granted for a period not exceeding 50 years and can only be purchased at the time of interment. Reservations for future use are not permitted.

  3. A Deed of Grant will be issued, entitling the owner(s) to:

    • Be buried in the grave.

    • Authorise burials in the grave.

    • Apply for permission to erect a memorial.

    • Transfer ownership of the right.

  4. Transfer of EROB ownership requires appropriate documentation, such as a Statutory Declaration or Grant of Probate, and payment of a transfer fee.

  5. If the EROB expires and is not renewed, the rights revert to the council.

 

Public Graves

​​

  1. A public grave is one where no EROB is purchased, and unrelated individuals may be interred.

  2. Memorials are not permitted on public graves unless an EROB is purchased for the most recent interment.

 

Burials

​

  1. All burials must be booked with the council at least three working days in advance.

  2. A completed Notice of Interment form, Registrar’s Certificate, or Coroner’s Order must be submitted before the burial can take place.

  3. Burials are permitted Monday to Friday between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

  4. Coffins must be made of biodegradable materials and display the name, age, and date of death.

​

Dimensions and Guidelines for Graves

​

Grave Dimensions:

  1. Grave spaces for full burials measure approximately 8 feet in length and 4 feet in width. Variations may apply based on the location within the cemetery or specific circumstances.

  2. All graves must conform to the cemetery layout as detailed in the cemetery plan, ensuring alignment and uniformity.

 

Grave Depth:

  1. Single graves must be dug to a depth of 5 feet, and double graves to a depth of 6 feet, to accommodate additional burials where applicable.

 

Spacing and Alignment:

  1. Grave rows shall maintain a centre-to-centre spacing of 4.5 feet between rows and 9 feet between graves along the rows.

  2. The placement of memorials must align with adjacent plots for consistency.

 

Memorials

  1. Only EROB holders may apply to erect a memorial.

  2. Memorials must conform to approved designs and dimensions:

    • Headstones: Maximum height 3 feet 6 inches.

    • Slabstones: Must be flush with the ground.

    • Materials: Natural stone or oak with unpolished surfaces.

  3. Prohibited items include:

    • Synthetic materials.

    • Kerbstones, chippings, fencing, lights, or glass.

  4. Memorials must display the grave number and name of the monumental mason on the reverse.

  5. Memorials must meet BS8415 standard for memorial installation to ensure safety and stability

  6. Memorial safety checks will be conducted every five years, and repairs required for safety must be carried out by the owner at their expense.

​

Grounds Maintenance

  1. The council will maintain the cemetery grounds, including grass cutting and grave leveling after 12 months.

  2. Floral tributes may be placed on graves but will be removed when withered. Christmas wreaths will be removed after 31st January each year.

  3. Any planting on graves must be approved by the council and kept to a reasonable size.

  4. The planting of trees, shrubs, or other flora without council permission is prohibited and may be removed.

 

Work in the Cemetery

Permissions:

  1. No work may be undertaken within the cemetery without the prior written permission of the Parish Council or Clerk. This includes grave digging, memorial installation, or any alterations.

​

Contractor Requirements:

All contractors must:

  1. Comply with the Local Authorities’ Cemeteries Order 1977 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

  2. Hold valid public liability insurance, proof of which must be presented upon request.

  3. Follow any reasonable instructions or requirements set by the council or Clerk.

Site Cleanup:

Contractors are responsible for leaving the site clean and tidy after work, including the removal of spoil, debris, or surplus materials.

Damage Liability:

Contractors will be held liable for any damage caused during their work and must rectify it at their expense. The council reserves the right to recover additional costs if necessary.

​

General Provisions

  1. The council reserves the right to:

    • Remove unauthorised items or memorials.

    • Amend these regulations as necessary.

  2. Insurance for memorials is the responsibility of the owner.

  3. Any issues or disputes regarding cemetery management should be directed to the Parish Clerk.

 

These regulations are effective from 18th February 2025 and supersede any previous cemetery regulations. For further information, please contact the Parish Clerk or visit the council’s website.

​

For information on current fees click here. Wormegay Parish Council Cemetery Fees 

bottom of page