Weekend burials get go-ahead for first time
WEEKEND burials are to be introduced at cemeteries for the first time.
The move by Hyndburn Borough Council follows a long campaign for the change.
They will start at Accrington Cemetery in Burnley Road before being extended to Dill Hall Cemetery, Church and Clayton-le-Moors Cemetery and Rishton and Great Harwood Cemetery.
The council confirmed the move after former MP and Labour General Election candidate Graham Jones wrote to its chief executive David Welsby on the issue.
Weekend burials are particularly important for Muslims whose religious practices say people should be buried ideally within 24 hours of their death.
A spokeswoman for the authority said: “Over the years residents have highlighted the local need for weekend burials in Hyndburn.
“In Autumn 2022 this was supported by portfolio holder, Cllr Steven
Smithson, and discussions with council staff commenced.
“In February 2023 a tender for this service was publicised and we are currently in the due diligence phase.
“A full report is planned for June’s cabinet meeting.”
Mr Jones letter to Mr Welsby said: “Over a number of months, I have been lobbied by residents regarding the availability of weekend burials.
“The issue appears a simple one: residents are paying over-the-top fees to have a weekend burial with Blackburn Council, fees which could go to Hyndburn Council.
“I hope that there can finally be some progress on this issue.”
Mr Jones said after the council announcement: “This is an issue the council has refused to act upon for too long.
“I’m proud of Labour councillors Munsif Dad and Noordad Aziz who for 18 months have led the campaign and not given up. This January Hyndburn Council finally began looking at weekend burials.
“We are delighted that residents have a service equivalent to neighbour
ing authorities but it should never have taken this long.”
The authority’s environment boss Cllr Smithson said: “Since becoming portfolio holder, I have
been working proactively with MP Sara Britcliffe, Cllr Sajid Mahmood and council officers to make progress with weekend burials in Hyndburn.
“I am pleased after only a year the Conservatives have been in charge we have made progress with weekend burials.”
The day after Mr Jones posted on Facebook about the issue Miss Britcliffe posted: “Working together, I am pleased to say we are making progress on making sure weekend burials are available at Accrington Cemetery.”