Memorial space at saturation point
Review on locations and what to use under way
A review on the siting of memorial benches and plaques is under way on Arran and across North Ayrshire.
Whilst it is recognised that relatives wish to remember a loved one, the pressure on North Ayrshire Council to finding suitable spots is nearing saturation point in some areas and it is proving difficult to support the wishes of individuals in specific locations.
Arran is a particular problem as relatives often want to use a loved one’s favourite spot for a memorial and a new report into finding a solution was discussed at the Arran Locality Partnership meeting earlier this month.
It includes proposals for alternatives to benches and memorials such as memorial trees, sponsoring flower beds and memorial rocks, away from the crowded seashore, at an affordable cost.
The report states: “North Ayrshire Council has a longstanding history of providing memorial benches and plaques to offer bereaved families the opportunity to remember loved ones in a lasting and meaningful way.
“Over time, the large accumulation of benches, plaques, challenges with suitable locations, maintenance, and sensitivities of removing tributes, has led to the temporary suspension of the service and an investigation of alternative approaches.
“The council recognises and acknowledges the desire of many members of the public to remember loved ones with a memorial in surroundings with which they were familiar.
“These requests are agreed and accommodated wherever possible, but any decision must recognise the needs of the wider public.
“The council will therefore ensure that the memorial process is managed and implemented for the mutual benefit of all.
“This can also be to the benefit of the community if the memorial enhances or makes the location more attractive by helping to maintain the character of the area.
“The principles will ensure that requests for memorials are responded to in a consistent, efficient and sympathetic manner.
“To provide this service in the future, consideration must also be given to the length of time a memorial stays in place and to consider potentially bringing assets back into circulation after a period of time.
“Alternatively, the option to purchase a bench with a prefabricated memorial could remain.
“However, the asset would be placed in a location identified by the council and agreed with the applicant, such as parks and open spaces rather than the already congested coastal areas.”
Among the alternatives to benches and plaques suggested in the report are: a living memorial tree, metallic memorial trees, memorial rocks, a sponsored flower bed, digital remembrance and bespoke requests on a case by case basis.
The report concludes: “It is proposed the North Ayrshire Council memorial offer
‘The council recognises and acknowledges the desire of many members of the public to remember loved ones with a memorial in surroundings with which they were familiar.’
provides a range of affordable options to bereaved families and friends to assist them to celebrate the life and remember a loved on.
“Choice and affordability will be key with responsibilities made clear from the outset.
“It is proposed that the council will limit the prices to the actual cost of each memorial selected. The council will not generate any surplus from its memorial offer.”
Arran councillor Timothy Billings told the Banner: “The natural beauty of Arran means it is not surprising that families want a memorial to a loved one at a favourite spot on the island, but over time this has become a problem at some locations.
“Alternatives such as woodland burial site, tree pod burial or other natural memorials seem a sensible way forward for what is a sensitive subject and I would be more than pleased to receive any comments from the public on Arran on the way forward with this new policy.”
A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Over time, the large accumulation of benches and plaques along with challenges with suitable locations, maintenance, and sensitivities of removing tributes, led to the temporary suspension of the service and the investigation of alternative approaches.
“We understand that many members of public want to remember their loved ones and we are looking at how best we can do this.
“We recognise this is an important and sensitive issue and are discussing various options at each of our Locality Partnerships.
“These meetings will then help us to bring a set of concrete plans to cabinet in the coming months which, if approved, can see the proposals implemented.”
Councillor Billings can be contacted on TimothyBillings@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.