Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Head of Finance, Property and Climate Resilience proposing a new policy for Memorial Seats and Trees on Council property.

The Group had before it a report * from the Head of Finance, Property and Climate Resilience reviewing a proposed new policy for Memorial Seats and Trees on Council property.

The contents of the report were outlined with particular reference to the following:

·       This was a new policy following requests from members of the public to provide trees and benches to provide somewhere for quiet reflection following the loss of a loved one.

·       The availability of spaces was limited but there were some.

·       Up until now there had been no policy but it was now deemed to be appropriate in order to provide consistency of approach moving forwards.

·       Regarding memorial trees the Council would consult with the requestor. The tree would need to be in keeping with the others around it. It would be planted by the Council and maintained for the first couple of years until it became established. The tree would need to be funded by the requestor.

·       Benches could be provided in the main parks and cemeteries and would need to be fully funded by the requestor. The Council would maintain it for a ten year period. If after ten years the bench was in a good condition, it would remain, if it was not, it would be replaced but without a plaque unless the requestor was able to fund a replacement.

Discussion took place regarding:

·       The importance of this initiative to some families.

·       The Grand Western Canal had a similar scheme and it worked well there.

RECOMMENDED to the Cabinet that it recommends to full Council the adoption of the new Memorial Benches and Memorial Tree Policy.

(Proposed by Cllr L Knight and seconded by Cllr M Farrell)

Reason for the decision

The provision of seats where the Council may not otherwise provide them may ameliorate the experience of those users with reduced mobility and enable greater confidence to use parks and cemeteries for recreation and reflection. Seats will be compliant with Disability Discrimination legislation requirements.

Supports the use of parks and cemeteries for well-being. Supports carbon reduction targets with tree planting where appropriate and re-use of materials.

Note: * Report previously circulated.