BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council has passed a resolution to start the process of accepting the transfer of ownership and maintenance of a closed children’s cemetery. 

The children and baby cemetery in Rooksdown cemetery is currently owned by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover hospitals.

The resolution to take over the cemetery was proposed by Cllr Simon Minas-Bound who has been leading, along with other ward councillors and parents, a campaign to tidy up the area in the past several weeks.

At a full council meeting on Wednesday, March 21, Cllr Minas-Bound thanked the parents who are supporting the maintenance of the cemetery, and gave a brief history of the site.

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He said: “I hope we can all pledge our support for keeping these children who were lost, still dearly loved and greatly missed, a secure future that we are best to deliver.”

Cllr Minas-Bound’s resolution also proposed to uphold the highest standards of care and respect for the cemetery after its transfer to the local authority’s ownership.

Seconding the resolution, council leader Paul Harvey said it was important that the children’s cemetery was properly cared for and looked after.

He said: “Our hearts go out to the families who have lost a baby or child and then faced further distress due to the condition of the cemetery when they visit. That’s why it is disappointing to all of us to hear the concerns that have been raised.”

However, he said the council will have to investigate the matter about the hospital trust for the transfer of ownership.

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“This will involve a detailed conversation with Hampshire Hospital Trust who are the responsible authority.

“Officers have already met with the representatives of the trust and provided advice on a suitable contractor who could undertake the maintenance of the cemetery.

"However with regard to the transfer of the ownership, this is going to require some detailed investigation. I’m personally supportive in principle and will ask the officers to speak with the trust and gather and examine all the relevant information that we can consider as a Cabinet together.

“This motion is not only worthy, it is something we should support, and then bring forward something that will achieve the aim that you’ve set out.”