Cemetery Update

Hi, my name is Chelsea and I am Ludgershall Town Council’s Engagement & Council Services Officer.

I am writing regarding today’s cemetery clear up. Councillors Martin Howard, Dale Lansley-Smith and I have spent the morning in the cemetery tidying the grounds to support our grounds team in maintaining the area to a respectful and safe standard.

While there, I noted that many plots have been beautifully cared for with flowerpots, decorations and ornaments. Ludgershall Town Council truly appreciates the love and thought that goes into maintaining your loved ones’ resting places. However, it is imperative that we remain within the cemetery regulations to ensure the grounds can be safely and consistently maintained.

This morning, we unfortunately had to dispose of a number of broken pots, shattered glass items, and containers holding stagnant water. These items pose both environmental and safety concerns. While we have had to be firm in removing damaged or hazardous items, we have retained some pieces in the cemetery container, which will be held for 30 days should anyone wish to reclaim them.

I wanted to approach this matter personally, as I understand first-hand how sensitive this topic can be. Please be assured that we carry out this work from a place of care and respect – not to be awkward or cause upset. However, the volume of items had begun to get out of control and was impacting both the environment and our ability to maintain the cemetery appropriately.

Ludgershall Town Council now kindly asks that plot owners review the remaining items on their plots and consider reducing them to a decorative minimum, in line with cemetery regulations.

From today’s date, 05.03.26, I will be carrying out fortnightly visits to the cemetery to ensure that items remain within the designated borders and have not extended further down the length of the plots. Where items are found outside of the permitted areas, they will unfortunately have to be removed.

We kindly ask that this post be shared where possible to help us reach as many plot owners and family members as we can, so that no one is caught off guard or surprised by these actions.

We thank you for your understanding, cooperation and continued care for the cemetery. Our shared aim is to keep it a peaceful, safe and dignified place for all.

If you wish to discuss this further please feel free to contact me during office hours on 01264 391629

Kind regards,

Chelsea

Engagement & Council Services Officer

Ludgershall Town Council