Reader clarifies views on crematorium row
As the spokesperson for more than 270 signatories of a petition against the proposal for a crematorium at Bannockburn and author of the letter that drew the ire of the Rev Colin Renwick (Observer, December 13, 2017) I refute his inference that my letter was not open or reasoned and it is unhelpful to misrepresent my argument.
It is a subject that few people want to think about let alone debate. I have had to acquaint myself with issues most people are unaware of. I use facts in my arguments to dispel misconceptions or ignorance regarding this subject and all my published correspondence is open and signed.
The overwhelming majority of crematoria operators recognise the sensitivity required in the location of crematoria as much for local communities as for their own requirements.
They want to be well out of the way and made their views known in their representations to Scottish Ministers who sought advice before setting up the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Bill. They wanted the protective proximity - measures within the Cremation Act 1902 carried over into the Bill but were ignored.
They made specific complaints of previous bad planning decisions that allowed new developments right up to the boundaries of existing crematoria and the location of new crematoria close to existing settlements, roads or households contrary to the terms of the Cremation Act 1902: 200 yards for households, 50 yards for roads.
Mr Renwick’s observations that in many parts of the country crematoria are close to housing, roads and fields (noisy, smelly things go on in fields) - as some sort of justification for continuing in the same vein - has often been as a direct result of the above. There are examples aplenty of disruption and irritation on both sides.
In my letter, I reiterated for the umpteenth time how the Bannockburn site is being manoeuvred into a situation that even the mass of developers want to avoid.
Like Mr Renwick, I too “do not believe that distance is the main issue here,” I didn’t raise it but I quoted the funeral directors accurately: “Falkirk is too far away,” they claimed and I merely stated the obvious, it was an absurd claim to make as a reason to site a crematorium at Bannockburn which is just over six miles from Camelon.
I won’t argue about disparate cremation costs. The cost of all funerals, burial and cremation is a national scandal and is rapidly approaching a situation where the state will have to legislate or increasingly bear the cost for the poorest in society to ensure proper disposal of human remains. I stand by my opinion of Falkirk Crematorium.
With regard to my comments on commercial opportunists, it was clear that I referred specifically to those with “vested interest” in Bannockburn. However, I am not about to accept censure for the principle of self-interest described by Adam Smith and abused ever since.
“We know from our experience of proposing new crematoria just how sensitive the public are to the thought of funerals taking place in close proximity to their homes. Even with a separation of 200 yards it is seen as too close for comfort.“Westerleigh.
John Fowler Benview Bannockburn