BEREAVED relatives will be able to put memorial benches in Newport's council-owned cemeteries if they meet proposed new rules.

In the past commemorative seating was allowed throughout both Christchurch and St Woolos graveyards but they take up scarce grave space and can cause maintenance problems.

However, there was controversy over a proposal to ban them a couple of years ago.

Cllr David Fouweather, cabinet member for the environment and community safety, has now backed a new policy with strict rules for families who want benches.

He decided against a moratorium on the benches or the council having no clear policy.

In a report, grounds and countryside manager David Morris said grave space was quite limited and there were concerns about access for grass cutting and other machinery around the benches.

"Over the longer term, the benches also need to be maintained in order to ensure that they are not only safe to sit on, but also have a tidy and uniform appearance, which is in keeping with the dignified character of a busy and working cemetery."

He acknowledged that relatives may wish to sit in comfort near the grave but as well as taking up valuable and ever-diminishing grave space, irregular positioning tended to break up the uniform appearance of the neat lines of graves.

The new arrangements include the following measures

  • The council reserves the right to remove the bench if it was no longer in a suitable condition
  • There would be a cost reflecting the value of the area of land but it must not be a grave space
  • The bench must accommodate a maximum of three people and be a uniform colour
  • Applicants must meet the cost of installation
  • Damages and repairs have to be rectified and paid for
  • The bench does require removal at a future date, the costs will be recovered from the family.