Council to decide if healthy trees are to be cut down - add your name to the petition to stop this
Eye Town Council through their Environment Committee have said that they want to cut down 2 leylandii trees on the boundary of Eye Town Cemetery.
These are healthy trees. An independent and experienced contractor has looked at the trees and declared that no action is necessary.
The Arboricultural Officer for Mid Suffolk Council has also stated that he could see no reason at all why these trees ought to be felled.
3 councillors and members of the public have launched a petition to make sure that the Council understands that there is opposition to this action and that the Council should think it through carefully.
Healthy trees that are not unsafe should not be cut down
There should be a plan for managing the trees and the biodiversity at the cemetery
All Councils are accountable to the public. Make your concerns known so that a proper discussion can take place by signing the petition or attending the Council Meeting this Wednesday 18th September at 7.30pm in the Town Hall where the trees are on the agenda.
Eye Cemetery
A group of three Eye Town Councillors arrange for volunteers to clear overgrown vegetation from the towns cemetery with great success.
Was the Health and Safety Risk Assessment carried out on Sunday May 26th at Eye Cemetery
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Social Media seems awash with reports and pictures of JCB heavy plant equipment at the Eye Cemetery in the inclement weather on Sunday.Monuments were apparently removed and one was placed in undergrowth on the perimeter of the cemetery.Will a report be readily available soon. Next Environment meeting to be held on Tuesday June 4th
English Heritage Summary
Monuments mark the final resting place of people whatever their origins and status.The materials, design, craftsmanship and inscriptions of these monuments are a rich and irreplaceable repository of information that connects us with previous generations and their history. They continue to be objects of respect but unfortunately, many monuments are also neglected.
Many burial sites are still in use and provide us with landscapes of cultural, historical and natural interest.
The monuments within them commemorate the deceased, but also have associated historical, communal and evidential values.The appropriate care of monuments is essential to preserve these values as well as their architectural and aesthetic character.
This advice note is intended for anyone interested in or responsible for the conservation of monuments, memorials and sculptural elements within a churchyard, burial ground or cemetery – this includes those who manage burial sites on behalf of local authorities, churches and other bodies, conservation professionals, statutory bodies and volunteer groups. It should be read in conjunction with both Paradise Preserved (published by English Heritage and Natural England in 2007), which introduces the management and conservation of historic cemeteries, and Managing the Safety of Burial Ground Memorials – Practical Advice for Dealing with Unstable Memorials (issued by the Ministry of Justice in January 2009).
This note provides guidance and best practice on the assessment, planning and implementation of conservation work to monuments, as well as legal frameworks and statutory duties. Conservation priorities are likely to be directed towards listed monuments but this note relates to all monuments that, due to their condition, are considered to require specialist repair.The guidance is directed primarily towards the conservation of stone as this is the material from which most monuments are made.
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DEFINITIONS
Monuments: throughout this document, the word ‘monuments’ has been used to include outdoor monuments, memorials, sculptures and other symbols of commemoration
Churchyards: a burial ground around a church or other place of worship
Burial grounds: a pre-Victorian place of burial without a place of worship
Cemeteries: a landscaped place of burial
Eye Council Environment Meeting May
Eye Town Council were taken to task and asked the following questions at the May meeting of the Environment Committee. The Eye Town Council still have not announced improvement plans for Eye Cemetery.
Hanging Baskets
Would hanging baskets be in place for the Eye Open Gardens weekend.
Answer: If the weather improves and if no frost is forecast.
Health and Safety Inspection
With two Health and Safety Inspections called off this year when will the inspection be held.
Answer: May Sunday 26th is the new date.
Cemetery Volunteer Group
Will the Eye Cemetery Volunteer group be announced and be ready for the summer.
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Answer:The papers will go to full council in June.In progress
Public Meeting
At the public meeting held on November 23rd 2023 the public were promised a further meeting. What will be the date for this.
Answer:No Meeting arranged.
The information is being gathered for this meeting. When the council have completed configuring this a meeting will be announced.
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No Mow May
Will the council be upholding No Mow May again this year.
Answer:No
The contractor for cutting the grass at the Eye Cemetery will retain the schedule for the season.
Green Burial and ERB's
Are all the markers up to date and in place in the Green Burial area.
Answer:Yes
Are all the ERB's up to date and have all parties been informed.
Answer: No
This has not been recorded correctly for years. It is the responsibility of the families to contact the Eye Town Council.
Eye Cemetery will lose two more mature trees this Autumn as reported by Eye Environment Committee Meeting May 2024
Cemetery rules change from the end of August
Eye Town Council Environment Meeting reported that from the end of August new rules voted in by the full council for the Eye Cemetery will be enforced. This will ban the use of glass and plastics. Breakable vases and any artificial flowers including faux Christmas wreaths will not be allowed in the cemetery. All products must be biodegradable as Eye is a green cemetery, this is also to protect wildlife and protect the soil from plastic pollution. This is to be featured in the July edition of the Eye Magazine.
Residents were also reminded that should the grave they attend have a stone edging around they are responsible for the maintenance of this and all weeds and grass should be removed to avoid a trip hazard.
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Eye Cemetery Entrance completed April 2024
Health and Safety Inspection Cancelled Again at the Eye Cemetery Sunday April 28th Due to weather
Cemetery Entrance Report
As of the Eye Town Council Environment Meeting on 6th February this is still work in progress. The Victorian wrought iron railings are being re shaped and powder coated. The project cannot move forward until this is completed.
Cemetery Health & Safety Inspection
Health & Safety Inspection
For the Eye Cemetery.
It was announced at the Tuesday February 6th meeting of the Eye Town Council Environmental Committee that after the cancellation of the November 2023 inspection the new date would be Sunday February 25th at 10 am All Councillors are encouraged to attend and assist.
After the rolling programme is approved at the Full Council meeting on February 21st this can be implemented.
Gates Offer Withdrawn
The Mayor's offer of the Eye Cemetery Gates to an unknown party has been withdrawn. The hope that the Eye Cemetery Victorian wrought iron gates of 150 years standing could be restored to their former glory. disappeared on Tuesday February 6th. The Eye Town Council Environment Committee recommended a proposal that the least damaged gate be refurbished and affixed to one of the chapels walls for prosperity. This proposal now goes forward to the full Council meeting on February 21st for approval.
Feedback from the public meeting held on 31st the January 2024
Issues Regarding the Cemetery
It was noted that since the meeting on 11th October last year the following has happened:
• The fees for burials and ERBS paid to the Town Council will increase from the 1st April 2024 and initial ERBs will now be for 25 years rather than 50 years.
• A number of queries that people had about their ERBs have been followed up.
• The railings for the front entrance to the cemetery are being remodelled.
• The updating of regulations and health and safety requirements was an exceptional piece of work and the singular efforts of one volunteer was particularly praised in this regard.
The report from the meeting on 11th October sent to the Council has not been responded to.
In summary, action is still outstanding to set out a plan for the management and development of the cemetery, including:
o Day to day management and maintenance
o Future plans and costings
o The heritage benefit including the Chapels and memorials
o Open book accounting
o Supporting the volunteer group
o Properly marking graves in the green cemetery area
o Health and safety inspections
o Developing a community based Burial Board involving the public
o Complete the entrance work
o Follow up record management
o Set out a scheme of public engagement
The Town Council is asked to progress these issues which were brought to their attention in October by the public.
The work of the Cemetery Volunteer Group
The Co-ordinator of the volunteer group gave a very positive and upbeat message about their activities providing much needed support to developing the site, engaging volunteers and the community and providing a key element required to lever in grant aid funding. More volunteers are always welcome.
Further points regarding the cemetery raised at this meeting were:
1. What is happening to the £5,000 grant from Persimmon Homes to help take plans at the cemetery forward.
2. Some said that the chapels need to provide a place for religious/faith services but also for remembrance
3. General state of the cemetery continues to be of concern with one resident describing it very graphically.
4. If there was a possibility of building a crematorium, presumably on a private developer basis, this could help to fund the town cemetery.
5. The Town Council should not be expected to shoulder all the financial and development burden of the cemetery (see offer of support below).
6. The chair of the cemetery project group reminded everyone that a great deal of preparatory work already existed and could be taken forward rapidly.
7. The public highway path approaching the cemetery is often overgrown.
8. The speed of traffic past the entrance of the cemetery is often excessive.
A number of people offered to work in partnership with the Council to help progress the whole of the cemetery project. These names have been passed to the Council,through the Town Clerk, with a request that they consider the offer of support and that the cemetery project group should be re-established with nominated councillors and members of the public. We will keep you informed of any response.
Other issues of concern raised at the public meeting are listed below:
Some of the issues raised do not fall within the remit of the Eye Town Council:
Boundary Fencing around Orchard Way by the Pétanque Court
There was a very positive update on the development of the Pétanque Group which provides gentle but important exercise for people while engaging in an interesting pastime. New people are always welcome. If you are interested make contact via Instagram, phone (Ian on 01379 870367 or Eirajane on 01379 678086), email: eirajane@gmail.com or FaceBook Eye Boules/Petanque.
One outstanding item is the boundary fencing at the rear of the Orchard Way development that is poorly maintained and dangerous. Help is required to identify who owns/ has responsibility for this boundary fence. It does not belong to either the Eye Playing Fields Association or the Pétanque Group.
The Town Council has been asked to help with follow up.
Roads, Potholes and Footpaths
A number of issues were raised/discussed. Guidance was given as follows:
Roads, Potholes and footpaths are all maintained by Suffolk Highways Department. Please follow this link to report an issue. The more people who report an issue the faster the response. If this fails your issue should be reported at the next Eye Town Council Meeting. The issue should be raised in the public section and addressed to County Councillor Peter Gould
Car Parking
Particular mention was made of proposed additional parking spaces behind the Church Street Co-Op. This is welcomed.
Car Parking is covered by Mid Suffolk District Council follow this link to the car parking page. You will be able to navigate from there.
Light Pollution
The matter of light pollution from the Eye Industrial Estate has already been forwarded to Mid Suffolk District Councillors for comment and direction. The OurEye.biz website will be updated as the information is received.
Flooding
Flooding concerns should be taken to the Eye Town Council who should support all residents in this matter and pass the concerns to the correct departments and councils. Flooding should be reported to Suffolk County Council, if you come across a blocked drain report this via their portal Report a flood in Suffolk - Suffolk County Council or via their customer services on 0345 606 6171.
Chicken Factory Smells
It was noted that this has been an issue for many years. This is an old factory very close to residential properties and the town centre. There were particular issuesduring the summer of 2023.
This is a matter for Environmental Health at Mid Suffolk District Council.
Infrastructure with all the new housing and future building development planned.
Concern was expressed about the significant influx of new residents without the necessary supporting infrastructure.
It was hoped that the forthcoming review of the Eye Neighbourhood Plan (by the Town Council) could give further consideration to this.
Loss of Post Office in Eye
The closure of the Post Office in the summer has had considerable impact on many residents.
It was reported that there may be some potential development in this regard if suitable premises can be found.
Raising issues with Eye Town Council
Should you not find the help you need we recommend attending the Eye Town Council full council meetings that are held on the third Wednesday of each month (except August) at 7.30 pm in the chamber of the Town Hall.
As concerned residents we can also take these matters to the next council Environment Committee Meeting on February 6th at 7.00pm or the Full Council Meeting on February 21st and call for action to improve and redevelop the Cemetery. Above all we must use common sense and work together with dignity and pride.
You will be able to raise the issue with District Councillor Lucy Elkin in the public section of the meeting.Lucy.Elkin@midsuffolk.gov.uk
We hope that our research is of assistance, howevershould your issue not be resolved in a timely manner please do contact us again and we will investigate for you.
Clive Hill ​​& ​Ian Winter
Tel: 447885240478​​
Tel: 447963144128
Over 40 people at public meeting
This Meeting at the Eye Community Centre has really stirred up a hornets nest of issues in Eye.
Boundary Fencing around Orchard Way by the pétanque court.
Infrastructure with all the new housing and future building development planned.
State of the roads and pot holes .
Chicken factory smells.
Light pollution from the Industrial Estate also Cranswick.
Public Footpath to the Eye cemetery on Yaxley Road
Car parking in Eye.
Post Office required in Eye.
Flooding in the area.
New Cemetery Volunteer Group leader and members.
Thank you to all those who attended, it certainly was an interesting meeting.
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Many concerns raised.
Very positive response from volunteers to support the Town Cemetery Project by working with the Council
A real desire from residents to get things moving in the Town
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Suggestions for some of the issues raised at the Eye Cemetery meeting
Some of the issues raised at the Eye Cemetery meeting do not fall within the remit of the Eye Town Council.
Roads, Potholes and footpaths are all maintained by Suffolk Highways Department. Please follow this link to report an issue. The more people who report an issue the faster the response. If this fails your issue should be reported at the next Eye Town Council Meeting. The issue should be raised in the public section and addressed to County Councillor Peter Gould
Car Parking this is covered by Mid Suffolk District Council follow this link to the car parking page. You will be able to navigate from there.
Should you not find the help you need we recommend attending the Eye Town Council full council meeting held on the third Wednesday of each month except August at 7.30 pm in the chamber of the town hall.
You will be able to raise the issue with District Councillor Lucy Elkin in the public section of the meeting.
The matter of light pollution from the Eye Industrial Estate has already been forwarded to Mid Suffolk District Councillors for comment and direction. This site will be updated as the information is received.
We hope that our research is of assistance, however should your issue not be resolved in a timely manner please do contact us again and we will investigate for you.
Flooding concerns should be taken to the Eye Town Council who should support all residents in this matter and pass the concerns to the correct departments and councils. Flooding should be reported INFORMATION ONLY:- Public reminder, Blocked Drains – Please contact Suffolk County Council if you come across a blocked drain via their portal link here or via their customer services on
0345 606 6171
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As concerned residents we can take these matters to the next council Environment Committee Meeting on February 6th or the Full Council Meeting on February 21st and call for action to improve and redevelop the Cemetery.Above all we must use common sense and work together with dignity and pride.
Eye CemeteryÂ
Cemetery and Green Burials
01
Eco-Friendly Green Burial
Green burial is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, reduction of carbon emissions, protection of worker health,and the restoration
​and/or preservation of habitat.
Information from the Green Burial Council find out more here
02
Heritage Victorian Chapels
What are your views on the historic Victorian Chapels and how should they be repurposed for the community in the future . How is the funding application progressing and when will work start.
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03
Purpose of Public Discussion
This January 31st meeting at 7 pm has been called by the residents of Eye who have requested updates on the Cemetery and ERBs. For members of the public who have not attended past meetings and have concerns about the Eye Town Cemetery or any other matters that affect the town are welcome to voice their views.
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04
Historic Victorian Gates
The Victorian wrought iron gates have been a feature of the Eye Cemetery for over 150 years. The gates were removed for safe keeping but are now damaged beyond repair.
December Councillors coopted
Eye Town Council numbers increase by three
December's Eye Town Council meeting produced another influx of co opted councillors joining the ranks of the town council.
It is so refreshing to see that residents are now joining the council.
In May 2023 there was no interest in standing for election as a councillor and the council was formed with only eight members. In the last two months six residents have submitted applications and been successfully coopted onto the council. This leaves just one councillor vacancy to bring the Eye Town Council to the full number of fifteen.
Is this a sign of the times ?
The numbers don't add up
Eye Town Council,please explain ......
The Town Council has a meeting on Wednesday 20th December at 7.30pm and it is quite clear that the numbers don’t add up.
Cemetery Fees
The Council will vote to increase fees at the cemetery. They are allowed to do this – but the least that we can ask for is that the numbers are right.
They have said that the increases are in line with the average of inflation for 2022 and 2023.
The average of inflation over those 2 years is about 10%.
The main fee increase is the cost of buying a grave* which will go from £220 to £260 – an increase of 18%.
BUT, this is misleading because if you buy the grave* now it will cost you £220 for 50 years. If you buy it after 1st April 2024 it will cost you £260 BUT ONLY FOR 25 YEARS.
The Council say that the fee for the next 25 years will only cost £100 when that time comes. No Council in the country can guarantee the price of something in 25 years’ time.
The straight forward increase is 18% more but for half the time, which actually means the real increase is over 60%
The Council has a right to increase its fees and do not have to consult with us – but this is not an increase in line with inflation.
Number of Councillors
Last July the Council agreed that they should have 13 councillors. There are currently 11 councillors. That means there are 2 vacancies to fill. According to the Council agenda for Wednesday 3 people have come forward – this means they have to hold a ballot and only 2 people can become councillors. It is not clear that a ballot is planned.
Is it any wonder that some may think that the Council doesn’t count?
OurEye Commentary
18th December 2023
*This refers to the Exclusive Right of Burial (ERB) arrangements.
Health & Safety Inspection
Postponed
Eye Town Council postponed the planned Health and Safety inspection on Sunday 26th November, due to ill health of the Chairperson of the Environment Committee..
Eye Town Council said new date is to be set so this rolling program can take place
Papers for the Finance and Governance Committee on Thursday 14th December set out proposed new fees for Eye Town Cemetery. They are published on Eye Town Council website
The main headline is that the new equivalent cost of Exclusive Right of Burial (ERB) will increase by over 60% from April 2024.
Current cost of ERB for 50 years is £220 (this works out at £4.40 per year)
New cost of ERB for 25 years is £260 (this works out at £10.40 per year)
Extending the ERB to 50 years will cost £100. So, the total cost over 50 years will be £360.
The Council cannot possibly guarantee that the additional 25 year fee will only be £100 in the future.
At the recent public meeting held by the Council on 23rdNovember no figures were quoted but it was stated that increases in fees would be broadly in line with inflation.
The Council is not required to consult with the public when changing the cemetery fees but most reasonable people would expect their council to set out why fees are increasing, how the extra money will be used and do so in discussions with residents.
A committee meeting does not allow for discussion with the public – only for questions to be asked but with no guarantee of getting an answer.
You can write to the Council at townclerk@eyetowncouncil.gov.uk
The Finance and Governance Committee is at 7.00pm on Thursday 14th December 2023. They can only recommend the increase to the full Council.
The Council Meeting is on Wednesday 20th December at 7.30pm.
Clive Hill and Ian Winter CBE
8th December 2023
Town Council Announces Proposed Fee Increases for Cost of Burial
Mayor "offers" Cemetery Gates
It been suggested by the Mayor that the gates are returned to the public of Eye and we fundraise to pay to bring the Cemetery Gates back to their former glory.
This proposal will have to be agreed with full Council
Mayor's Offer
Council property
The Mayor has offered that the Eye cemetery gates be given to the public. The public can then fundraise the money to restore the Victorian wrought iron gates to the glory they were one hundred years ago..
Environment Committee
Minutes from 2020
Minutes dated 1st December 2020
'The cemetery gates have been removed for health and safety reasons. It appears that someone has removed the iron works from the gates, which is disappointing. Cllr Smith feels that they are beyond economic repair. Having the gates removed has made access to the cemetery easier so it may be that these are not replaced. The contractor has agreed to cut back the hedging to give a clearer view exiting from the cemetery.'
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December 1st
Council obligation
This must be upheld
A local council has the discretion to exercise a range of statutory powers related to the provision or support of certain services or facilities which benefit its area, and/or the residents that live there.
Full document link
The Gates
Currently owned by the Council
Do the people of Eye want to take on the responsibility for having the gates and finding ways of restoring them for use at the cemetery ?
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Eye Cemetery Entrance Gates
Eye Town Council have issued these pictures of the cemetery gates, showing the current condition .
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Eye Cemetery Gate Left
The cemetery gate seems to have been poorly stored with no thought for reuse once the entrance has been completed.
Damaged heritage gates
Eye Cemetery Gate with fleur-de-lys removed and damaged uprights. Victorian heritage lost.
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Victorian Heritage Gates
The original Victorian iron work gates, with parts missing and bent iron work. In need of restoration and re painting.
Following the Public Cemetery Forum held on October 11th we move forward
Clive Hill
Feedback from Public Meeting held by Eye Town Council on
Thursday 23rd November 2023 at 7.00pm at Eye Town Hall
• 10 Councillors and 21 members of the public were present
This is not the formal record of the meeting – only headlines.  It is assumed that as this was a Council convened event they will publish the formal record.
Response from the Council to the public forum meeting on 11th October 2023 (in italics)
1. Exclusive Rights of Burial
The responsibilities of the grave owners and the Council should be clearly set out.
Leaflets have been produced – copies are on the Council website:
• https://www.eyesuffolk.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Exclusive-Rights-of-Burial-LEAFLET-2023.docx
• https://www.eyesuffolk.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Memorials-Leaflet-2023.docx
• https://www.eyesuffolk.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Unstable-Memorials-leaflet-2023.docx
It needs to be formally confirmed that any forthcoming changes to ERBs will not affect existing ERBs at all.
This was confirmed.
If the length of new ERBs is to be changed then the reasons and implications of these changes needs to be set out openly.
This will be done. This will be done in early December 2023
The paperwork that is required to demonstrate ownership of an ERB needs to be set out clearly.
This has been done. (Not yet published)
Those who may have been referred to the Town Clerk should be followed up as soon as possible.
This has been done
2. Burial Records
A request is made for joint work between the Council and volunteer(s) to review all historical records using the Jonathan Lodge work as a basis to start from.
Work is in hand – but there was no reference to making use of volunteers
This work is urgent for both past and current records. Public concern and lack of information about ERBs and records runs high, is often very personal and is a cause of stress and anxiety.
3. Depth of Graves
The Council needs to confirm that there will not be any re-use/re-selling of grave space even after an ERB has expired.
This was confirmed and the legal position that would prohibit this action emphasised.
A public and published Q&A could be a way of achieving this.
The purpose of the public meeting (23rd November 2023)
4. Management of Monuments
The Council are asked to confirm that:
1. Annual health and safety checks on monuments are being (and will be) properly conducted according to the rules.
2. To set out when the last inspection was and when the next inspection is due.
Last inspection was carried out last year (2022).
A 5 year rolling programme of inspections was to start on 26th November 2023.
The Council is asked to re-affirm that memorials will only be removed from the original grave based on health and safety considerations and to set out what options there would then be.
Council confirmed that health and safety considerations were always the driving factor in deciding to remove memorials and that this was the law.
There should be a clear plan with choices and options for what other memorial tributes could be available including benches, trees, plaques etc and the costs.
This was not addressed
5. The Cemetery Grounds
The Council is asked to set out a proper plan of maintenance and improvements to bring the cemetery up to reasonable standards based on the Council’s own stated objectives. This should include:
i. Discussing the contribution of the established volunteer group
Volunteer group was still running.
ii. Setting out a plan for maintenance and renewal
Being done
iii. Properly costed contracts and maintenance work
Being done
6. Fees and Funding
The Council is asked to be open before decisions are made including setting out a ring-fenced budget for the cemetery that shows clearly income, expenditure and the financial choices available.
​This was not addressed
The Council is asked to work jointly with the forum on the development of an inclusive Burial Board which builds trust and confidence.
Council stated that they were the Burial Authority
7. Heritage Funding / The 2 Chapels
The current Heritage Lottery funding application should provide full opportunity for full discussion under the Council’s leadership. The process should be open and consider all views.
Andy Robinson (the former project officer) has left but this is being addressed.
The Council should publish the Concertus report of their general survey and options for the chapels.
This will be looked into
Questions and Discussion.
1. ERBs.
• 25 year ERBs are proposed because it is considered easier to make contact with owners after 25 years than it is to do after 50 years.
• 50 Year or even 100 year ERBs will be available
• A member of the public asked that better information regarding ERBs, how records are kept, who to contact and how to check records be made available as part of improving information and communication
• In 1996 Council decision for 25 year ERBs was taken by never enacted. The Council rely on this to make changes now*.
*This was questioned as unusual process by a member of the public.
2. Finances
• Income last year stated as £1,645, expenditure of £14,000. Income figure was question by the public and Council will look into that.
• Council view expressed was the cemetery should breakeven
• Forum view from 11 October was that there should be full disclosure of costs and expenditure and open discussion in public about how much Eye residents are willing to contribute from their Council Tax.
3. Fees
• Public understood the Council can increase fees. Forum view was this should be done openly and in discussion.
• Council stated that no fee structure has been circulated.
• Fee increases in line with inflation were referred to as a benchmark
• F&G Committee on 7th December 2023 will consider fee levels*
*A member of the public queried how that Committee could meet as committees had been suspended and not been re-convened by the Council in the meantime.
4. Depth of Graves – Standards
• Recent incident of councillor querying a grave depth 1 hour before the funeral causing upset to grave digger and staff was referred to by a member of the public.
• Confirmed that graves will be dug to double depth as standard.
5. Chapels
• The heritage value of twin Victorian chapels in reasonable condition was emphasised by a member of the public with a plea that the work was expedited
6. Monument inspections - Health and Safety
• Having confirmed that the inspection programme was re-starting, a councillor asked for clarification regarding H&S instruction, proper clothing and who was the named H&S officer for the activity. Council to follow up.
7. Entrance – Gates
• Chair of Environment Committee stated that the original grates removed around 8 years ago having been damaged by a lorry were not re-usable and some parts had been removed to repair the railings.
• Original gates would be scrapped.
8. Water Supply
• The Chair of Environment reported that the stopcock on adjacent land had been located but that a leak in the supply was being investigated
• Better use of rain and surface water collection to fill the existing tank was raised by the public.
9. Trees
• 2 Ash trees had been removed because of disease. Public asked for report supporting this decision
• Yews at front of cemetery were regrowing having been cut to the ground.
• Mid Suffolk Council Officer had visited and was satisfied with the approach
10. Green Cemetery – Marking of Graves
• Chair of Environment committee confirmed that currently no green graves were marked but there was a plan kept and metal markers were intended to be used
• A member of the public asked to see the plan
11. Cemetery Planning Group
• Council said no members of the public had come forward to join the planning group.
• No details given about how the planning group would be taken forward.
• Members of the public were invited to express interest. No details given.
12. Grounds Maintenance
• Wooden Structure in Cemetery – this was to be removed
• Grass cutting – current cost of £10,000 a year. This cost and quality was queried by the public. Other local cemeteries are much better kept
• Rabbits – Council getting quotes for rabbit control using ferrets.
13. Communications with all councillors/public
• There was councillor concern about whether visits / issues were being shared with all councillors in a timely manner.
Drafted by Ian Winter as working notes for info.
24th November 2023
2
Eye Cemetery Public Forum
Eye Town Cemetery – Open Public Forum 11th October 2023
An open forum for the public was convened at short notice and held on Wednesday 11th October 2023. To keep faith with the 30+ members of the public that attended a detailed report of the discussion will be widely available in a week and then presented to the Eye Town Council.
This letter summarises the key issues.
A full report of the discussion will be made available for the Council’s consideration.
It is our sincere hope that setting out these issues as initial feedback from the open forum will give the Council an opportunity to redress the anxiety, uncertainty and misunderstanding and so begin to rebuild trust with the people of Eye.
Update note
This note is to all those who have expressed continuing interest in the town cemetery and other related council matters.
As you will know a final report of the open meeting has been sent to the Town Council for their consideration. This is a document meant to support and assist the Council by picking up many of the issues and concerns raised by the public and turn them into positive action points that can be worked on together. We requested that the report be put on the agenda for the Council Meeting on 15thNovember. The Council has responded to our request with the statement, “The suggestions made will be considered.”
In addition, we have followed up specific questions raised at the forum with the Town Clerk. Formal responses to those questions are still outstanding.
We have also written to the Mid Suffolk District Council’s Arboricultural Officer regarding trees at the cemetery and that officer is going to follow this up with the Town Council.
It is positive to note that, perhaps as a result of the additional scrutiny, a number of things seem to be moving forward:
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Workshops for councillors regarding their role as Burial Authority are in hand.
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Some people with outstanding paperwork for their Exclusive Rights of Burial have now been updated.
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The Council has announced that health and safety inspections of memorials will be conducted, starting in November.
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At the Council Meeting on 18th October the Council agreed and voted on holding a public meeting (though this is not confirmed in the draft minutes and needs to be followed up)
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The Town Council has reached out to one person in the community who had raised very specific concerns and we were pleased to hear that a meeting is being planned
The next Council Meeting is on Wednesday 15th November 2023 at 7.30pm. It is still important to make sure that the Council remains focused on the high importance of the whole cemetery project which includes all the matters set out in our cemetery report including concerns about a plan for maintenance, finishing the entrance, the whereabouts of the gates alongside cemetery management, so please do attend if possible.
Very much depending on the approach taken by the Council at their next meeting we may not need to hold a further open forum meeting at this time, but of course we will keep you in touch.
Uncertain about ERBs
Following the recent public forum it is clear that a number of people are uncertain about what Exclusive Rights of Burial means.
We are very pleased that Eye Town Council have agreed to hold a public meeting before any changes to the current arrangements are made.
Some people have told us that they are not sure whether they have an ERB or where the papers are.
So that this can be followed up, if you want to check out if you have an ERB or not and when the papers were sent to you, then please write and email via this site. So we can pass it on to the Council who will follow it up.
Of course you can raise this directly with the Council yourself by contact the Town Clerk at The Common Room, Tacon Close, Eye, Suffolk, IP23 7AU,
Tel: 07713 196251 Email:- townclerk@eyetowncouncil.gov.uk
Make Contact now
A Very Personal View
We sent it to the Council and asked them to send it to all councillors as they are responsible for making decisions on our behalf. Regrettably the Council has not responded.
Jean is a long standing resident of Eye and her family history in Eye stretches back four generations. Following our forum meeting on 11th October she gave us this marvellous testimony of her views. It says so much more than any Council Meeting could possibly express.
My own views and comments for the discussion to be held on 11th October 2023 at the Community Centre regarding the cemetery
Going right back to the meeting on 14th July 2022
After the meeting I received a very helpful email ‘Notes from the public meeting on 14th July 2022’
At the time I was not able to get involved in the project group.
Was I the only person at that meeting who thought that because we had shown an interest and attended the meeting and received the subsequent email, that we would be kept informed of what was happening every so often?
How have we gone from a really positive meeting then, to the shouty meeting last week where it seems our views and concerns are not important, and for information, if I understand correctly, it seems we should have been looking on the internet for agenda and minutes relating to meetings where the cemetery was on the agenda.
Articles in the EADT and Eye Magazine are giving this rosy picture of embarking on a living heritage project, “a place of remembrance and peace” and loved ones who are at rest in the town’s cemetery with details to become available for public discussion and comment in the coming months.
Certainly doesn’t feel like that to me at the moment. Feels like heartache and uncertainty and costs we can ill afford.
The email sent after the 1st meeting listed 7 points on the current planned work schedule for the cemetery. Is it possible to have an update on what is happening with this?
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You can see work has started on the entrance to the cemetery but it is still not finished.
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The yew trees have been trimmed
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The removal of trees causing damage to graves, while some may have been removed, the tree in front of my Great Grandparents’ graves is still certainly growing through what remains of the grave in the row at the foot of my Great Grandparents graves.
Are we able to know what is happening with the other planned work that was listed on the schedule?
We need clarity of the facts and rules regarding Exclusive Rights of Burial and any burial that doesn’t have reserved rights.
I certainly didn’t know/wasn’t told that you only lease a plot for a set number of years, or that, according to the meeting last week, you are responsible for cutting the grass that covers the plot.
Do we not pay for this service in our Council Tax ‘town’ contribution part of our overall council tax payment.
How impractical is it to expect us (especially pensioners) to go up there and try cutting our families plots with shears not to mention the Health and Safety aspect of the rabbit holes and falling over and injuring ourselves.
Why has this renewal of burial plots payment suddenly surfaced. I am not alone in thinking it was a one-off payment for a grave plot.
Renewing these plot leases, if you tend a number of graves because your family goes back generations of living and working in Eye, will require careful thought.
It is not going to be an easy decision even if you can prove ownership (and we still don’t know exactly what would be required).
What a dreadful decision to have to make, can you realistically financially afford to make your renewal payment for all of your family graves or whose do you choose not to renew.
Who was actually supposed to tell people that plots were only leased. I was certainly not given this information by anyone for the last burial I arranged.
Are we allowed to look at the burial books and cemetery records to see for ourselves what conditions were attached to the plots our family members purchased so many years ago and what is the procedure to be able to view the records if we are actually allowed to.
At the 1st cemetery meeting an ‘adopt a grave’ scheme was discussed – it seems quite ironic that this was discussed then, given that now relatives who want to carry on doing what they have done for years may not be able to afford to renew burial rights – so what happens then? It doesn’t make sense to me!
Can we please have a list of things about which rule changes we are now being told are ‘legal matters’ and not something that residents of Eye need to be consulted over.
If space for burials is an issue for the future why were so many trees planted in one block at the far end of the cemetery and who decided how many to be planted. When I looked on Sunday although I can’t be certain, as you can’t see clearly inside the plastic tube surrounds – but a lot of them seemed dead to me.
At the meeting last week, if I understood correctly, it was said that the tree area could potentially be used in part for the scattering of ashes.
In 2006 when I arranged my neighbour’s funeral she wanted her ashes to be scattered on her families reserved plots (one of which was hers) but I was told by the funeral director that this was no longer allowed, so was he correct and has this now been changed?
Is the bench that was situated outside by the chapel door and has now been removed going to be replaced?
Finally
Going back to space issues.
How many plots are there, at present, left for burials?
With new changes proposed about grave depth etc it seems to me that you could actually end up with not just a family member (or yourself) in a double depth grave with a complete stranger buried on top of you or vice versa – a thought that absolutely fills me with horror, even though of course if it’s me I won’t know, but my family will. Given this potential scenario has anyone considered the possibility of being able to purchase the rough grazing land (or a portion of it) adjacent to the ‘old’ cemetery house. The land used to be the town allotments many years ago but apart from several years ago now when it had a few livestock on it, nothing seems to happen with it. Not sure who owns it at present.
Jean Keeling
11th October 2023
Because this is an important document Jean has agreed that it can be published on our community website.
Thank you Jean for writing this.
Open Public Forum Draft Report.
The full report following the open forum on the cemetery held on 11th October has been drafted and distributed to attendees of the meeting for comment.
An open letter giving a summary of the discussion has been sent to all councillors and was referred to by Clive at the Council Meeting last week (18th October).
Unfortunately the open letter was not registered on the agenda as correspondence received.
However, it was pleasing to note that, at last, the Council agreed that they will hold a public meeting to discuss any proposed cemetery changes etc once they have held their own internal workshops which are being held in November.
Once the full Report has been approved by attendees of the Forum, the Report will be sent to all Eye Town Councillors together with a request asking for this item to be added to the November 22 nd Council meeting agenda for discussion.
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Please look out for the publication of the Cemetery report.
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Eye Cemetery Draft Report and Recommendations
Eye Town Cemetery
Feedback from the public forum held at Eye Community Centre on Wednesday 11th October 2023
These pages summarise the discussion in terms of action points for
Eye Town Council to consider alongside their own scheduled
workshops for councillors
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Ian Winter and Clive Hill, conveners of the public forum
23rd October 2023
These notes are sent to the Town Council for consideration at their Council Meeting on 22nd November 2023. They are also sent to the members of the public who attended the forum and will be published on https://www.oureye.biz/
Foreword
This report has been circulated to the Town Council and those who attended the public forum held on 11th October 2023. It should be looked at alongside the open letter that was circulated on 16th October.
The only purpose of this report and the public meeting was to try and find a way of setting out people’s concerns and bringing them to the Council’s attention. That is why this report is set out with action points for the Council to consider. It is positive that since the public meeting the Council has voted to hold a public discussion. This paper is written so that it could form the basis of a joint meeting and get things moving quickly.
For many this feels like a stand off between the Council and the public which will only cause more distress. Many people in the town and the surrounding area who have direct links with the cemetery are worried and anxious. Some of that concern may be unfounded but in the absence of openness, transparency and feeling that their views are heard it will only grow and get worse.
The Council, and councillors, have a difficult task. That is understood. Members of the public cannot dictate every decision but most would now agree that the current position is not working. Rumour, misunderstanding, poor communication and so on abound.
This report is written plainly, derived entirely from what people have said. The Council has a right to disagree with some parts of it, but the public have a right to know why they disagree and what they intend to do instead.
For the benefit of the public who, as said, have personal and deep-rooted feelings about the town’s cemetery it is time to agree a way forward.
This document is presented in that spirit alone and the next formal steps are for the Council to decide.
Clive and Ian
Main Issues raised at the forum. Action points for discussion with the council.
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1. Exclusive Rights of Burial (ERB)
There was a general view that ERBs are not understood and that the process by which they are administered is unclear eg what is the role of the funeral director and what is the role of the Burial Officer/Council
There should be much more publicity explaining what ERBs are about and what they mean using the Council’s website and local funeral directors.
Letters and documents are not easy to understand and remember particularly they are sent at times of stress and bereavement.
A number of people raised outstanding requests to the Council for information. They were advised/ referrals made to contact the Town Clerk.
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1. The responsibilities of the grave owners and the Council should be clearly set out.
It needs to be formally confirmed that any forthcoming changes to ERBs will not affect existing ERBs at all.
If the length of new ERBs is to be changed then the reasons and implications of these changes needs to be set out openly.
The paperwork that is required to demonstrate ownership of an ERB needs to be set out clearly.
Those who may have been referred to the Town Clerk should be followed up as soon as possible.
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2. Burial Records
The work recently carried out by Jonathan Lodge (initiated by the Council) needs to have much wider circulation.
The big question is, how will that work be picked up and carried forward particularly in relation to any concerns about lost/misplaced/missing records. The Council’s approach to this must be transparent. This work is urgent.
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2. A request is made for joint work between the Council and volunteer(s) to review all historical records using the Jonathan Lodge work as a basis to start from.
This work is urgent for both past and current records. Public concern and lack of information about ERBs and records runs high, is often very personal and is a cause of stress and anxiety.
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3. Depth of Graves
A huge amount of anxiety and uncertainly has been created by the totally unnecessary lack of information on this topic.
There was no issue with the current system of digging double depth graves or, where requested by a grave owner, deeper graves if possible.
3. The Council needs to confirm that there will not be any re-use/re-selling of grave space even after an ERB has expired.
A public and published Q&A would be a way of achieving this.
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5. Management of Monuments
The management of monuments has also been bedevilled by the lack of information or even misinformation
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5. The Council are asked to confirm that:
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Annual health and safety checks on monuments are being (and will be) properly conducted according to the rules
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To set out when the last inspection was and when the next inspection is due.
The Council is asked to re-affirm that memorials will only be removed from the original grave based on health and safety considerations and to set out what options there would then be.
There should be a clear plan with choices and options for what other memorial tributes could be available including benches, trees, plaques etc and the costs.
6. The Cemetery Grounds
There was a general view that the cemetery grounds are in a very poor and deteriorating state.
In this regard the volunteer group was recognised as a very important resource to support and progress involvement with the wider community and demonstrate the Council’s good intentions of working together.
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6. The Council is asked to set out a proper plan of maintenance and improvements to bring the cemetery up to reasonable standards based on the Council’s own stated objectives. This should include:
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Discussing the contribution of the established volunteer group
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Setting out a plan for maintenance and renewal
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Properly costed contracts and maintenance work
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All Must Not Be Lost.
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Heritage Lottery Fund application work has been drafted and an initial survey of the chapels by Concertus Ltd has been carried out.
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Reports to the Council’s Finance and Governance Committee since June 2023 set out some of the way forward.
8, Fees and funding
There was a general acceptance that the Council is entitled to raise fees and make decisions about funding.
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8. The Council is asked to be open before decisions are made including setting out a ring-fenced budget for the cemetery that shows clearly income, expenditure and the financial choices available.
The Council is asked to work jointly with the forum on the development of an inclusive Burial Board which builds trust and confidence.
9. Heritage Funding / The 2 Chapels
The whole cemetery should be considered as part of heritage with the chapels being integral to this.
The chapels and options for their renovation need to be understood.
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9. The current Heritage Lottery funding application should provide full opportunity for full discussion under the Council’s leadership. The process should be open and consider all views.
The Council should publish the Concertus report of their general survey and options for the chapels.
Summary of What Needs to Happen.Â
The Council is asked to consider this report at the Council Meeting on 22nd November 2023
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The Council needs to set out a future plan for the whole cemetery project with timescales. Piecemeal developments don’t work.
2. The cemetery is in a deteriorating and neglected state, with no apparent plan to remedying this. Of paramount concern is tree preservation (given recent tree removal), trust and confidence needs to be built – open decision making, a grounds maintenance plan and tree management would help with this. The volunteer group is a key resource that needs to be nurtured.
3. There is an urgent need for clear, straightforward information about what Exclusive Rights of Burial (ERB) means. This should include the Council’s obligations and what the owner of the ERB is expected to do. The Council should launch a positive campaign for anyone with concerns to come forward and get answers. Public volunteers could help with this.
4. Agree the way in which the designated green cemetery area is mapped and marked to ensure that those graves will not be disturbed by planting or future burials. Set out how this will be done and monitor it.
5. A health and safety inspection of memorials is urgently required (with public notice) - volunteers would be willing to support this.
6. The management of the cemetery should include public representation on a potential new Burial Board, perhaps linked to an independent trust (for management and fund raising) or similar type of arrangement, preferably chaired by an independent person.
7. The Council should use an open book approach to its financial options and financial planning, this should include how the resources of the cemetery are used, and all income and costs to help build trust and confidence.
8. To develop the heritage approach for the chapels and the cemetery in a partnership approach with the community to support a Lottery Heritage bid.
9. Finish the entrance work as soon as possible.
10. To give every possible support to the body of research being worked on by June Gould that is already well advanced and engage work with the public regarding records management and seek volunteers to follow up the Jonathan Lodge research.
11. The Council should set out its proposed approach to fees in the context of the whole budget and put forward options accordingly.
12. The Council should commit to a scheme of public engagement in the best interests of the heritage and expressed concerns of residents over the cemetery and its future.