Cemetery - Some Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Am I able to reserve a plot at the cemetery?

A. At the present time, you are unable to reserve a plot at any of our cemeteries.

Q. Do you have a green burial site in Shrewsbury?

A. We do not have one at present.

Q. Once I have purchased the burial rights to a grave, does it belong to my family forever?

A. No.  The period of grant of burial rights is for 25 years only.  However, this is renewable after the 25 years on a five yearly basis.

Q. What type of memorial am I allowed to put on a grave?

A. Memorials must comply with the Council's regulations and permission given by them before any memorial is erected on a grave.  A fee is payable at the time of application.

Q. What happens to the memorial at the end of the grant of burial rights period if it is not renewed?

A. The memorial becomes the property of the Council.

Q. What happens to the person in the grave at the end of the grant of burial rights period if it is not renewed?

A. That person is not disturbed, you simply lose your right to further burials in that grave, together with the right to mark the grave in any way.

Q. Do I have to have a religious service and if not, can I hold a non-religious service in the cemetery chapel?

A. You do not have to have a religious service and you can hold a non-religious service in the cemetery chapel.

Q. What about music - and are we allowed to have flowers and extra candles in the chapel?

A. We are able to arrange for an organist to play, but we also have the facility to play tapes and CDs.  There is also a loop system for the hard of hearing.  To arrange for extra candles and flowers to be placed in the chapel, please liaise with the bereavement services manager.

Q. What happens if I want to be buried but by spouse/partner wants to be cremated?

A. It is possible for a grave to contain both coffins and cremation caskets, provided there is sufficient space.

Q. If I decide, after purchasing the burial rights to a grave, that I no longer wish to be buried in it, am I able to sell it?

A. Yes, however you must sell it back to the Council.  There will be an administration fee.

Q. Am I able to transfer ownership to someone else?

A. Yes, however there is a charge for transfer of ownership and the completion of statutory forms is required.

Please telephone the bereavement services office on 01743-281181 for more details of all the options available to you.