Please find below a copy of the letter sent to Holbeach Parish Council by myself regarding the barbecue and music event in Holbeach Cemetery.
To date I have received only an acknowledgement from the clerk’s office and still await a full reply.
I am 89 years of age and find it all very bad taste and irresponsible behaviour from people in office.
“Dear sir, can you please advise the local byelaws in Park Road Cemetery.
The government guide ‘Burial grounds: guidance for managers’ states the following: ‘LACO creates certain offences in local authority cemeteries, including creating a disturbance, committing any nuisance, interfering with any burial, interfering with a grave, playing any game or sport, or entering or remaining in a cemetery when it is closed to the public.
‘It may be open for an authority who wishes to extend the range of offences to apply for an appropriate byelaw.
‘Burial ground managers should ensure that they are familiar with any such by-laws which may apply within their burial grounds including anything relating to employed and self employed workers working within the burial ground.
‘Enquiries about local by-laws should be made to the relevant local authorities.’
Having seen in the local press that a barbecue and live music was played last weekend at the cemetery chapels in Park Road, I strongly object to this practice on consecrated ground and buildings.
I have two grandfathers, two grandmothers, my mother and father, three aunts and uncles, a sister and her husband all interred in there, plus many cousins.
My wife has a grandfather, grandmother, her mother and 14 uncles and aunts, and we do not consider that it is lawful to continue this practice ever again.
I understand that another person objected in writing to you, attended the council meeting but was not allowed to speak to the council about her concerns about this.
Totally out of respect to people who pay their rates and care about the way the council is being run.
Born in the Holbeach area and lived here all my life, except for two years, six months’ war service and seven years in Sutton St James.
I am unable to attend council meetings due to health reasons, but watch closely the results of council meetings.”
Frank R Sauntson
The Sidings
Holbeach
