Borough council starts cemetery ownership transfer process

In a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, July 16, councillors discussed the motion proposed in a council meeting on March 21.

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

Cllr Laura James said: "This cemetery should be well maintained and looked after, our hearts go out to the families that have lost a baby or a child and then faced further distress about the condition of the cemetery when they visit.

READ MORE: Council considers ownership of Basingstoke children's cemetery to 'secure future'

Cllr Simon Minas-Bound at Basingstoke Children's Cemetery (Image: Contributed)

"We owed it to those who had loved ones there to look at whether it would be possible and helpful for the council to take over the care of the site from the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

"We need to look at whether we can achieve what the families who visit there want, rather than just giving false hope.

"Since the motion was passed, the leader and myself visited the site with officers from the council and they have been liaising with the Hampshire Hospital's NHS Foundation Trust to understand the current situation, these investigations continue.

"As a cabinet, we want to ensure that all the relevant information can be gathered for us to consider in a full report in a future meeting so that we all have the information we need to make a decision on the best way forward."

The motion, which was approved, requested that the cabinet start the process of accepting the transfer of ownership and maintenance of the closed children's cemetery from the NHS and North Hampshire and Basingstoke Hospital and undertake all necessary steps to facilitate a smooth and efficient transfer process.

SEE MORE: Parents welcome council's plan to take over neglected cemetery

This includes coordinating with relevant stakeholders, assessing logistical and administrative requirements, and ensuring the proper allocation of resources for the ongoing care and preservation of the cemetery.

The motion asked representatives of the council to engage in open dialogue with community stakeholders, including residents, local organisations, and advocacy groups, to gather input and feedback regarding the transfer of ownership and maintenance of the cemetery.

It asked that upon acceptance of the transfer, the council would commit to upholding the highest standards of care and respect for the children's cemetery, honouring the memory of those interred therein, and preserving its significance as a place of remembrance and reflection for generations to come.