Copeland Borough Council is launching a new service to help residents care for their loved one’s graves.
The service, which will be offered across all council-owned cemeteries, offers people the chance to have maintenance carried out up to four times a year.
The council’s bereavement services team will ensure headstones are washed, any foliage is cleared and that lettering is maintained and refreshed when needed.
Images of the serviced area will then be sent to them, once the work has been carried out.
The service also offers those who choose to purchase the seasonal plan the opportunity to have flowers placed at the gravesite, twice a year, to commemorate occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Councillor Steve Morgan, portfolio holder for bereavement services, said: “We understand that not everyone has the time or ability to care for a loved one’s grave as they may wish.
“Some will have geographical or transport issues or may have a medical problem that prevents them from attending one of our cemeteries as often as they’d like.
“Many people will also be taking extra precautions due to the current pandemic and tending to their loved one’s grave site may not be viable at the moment.
“Our qualified and experienced team are here to relieve any worry and ensure the site is lovingly cared for by professionals.
“Our dedicated staff will also provide picture updates, once the work has been carried out, so that clients can see that their loved one’s final resting place has been caringly tended to.
“Our team works incredibly hard to maintain Copeland’s cemeteries and this additional service helps ensure that people have the opportunity to make sure that individual graves are well cared for.”
Copeland Council’s grave care service is available at all council owned cemeteries which includes Whitehaven, Hensingham, Beckermet, Millom and Nether Wasdale.
This service is in addition to routine cemetery maintenance carried out by the council’s team.
For more information on the new service go to www.copeland.gov.uk/cemeteries, email [email protected] or call 01946 830561.
