Inevitably, following a burial, ground settlement will take place and the grave will require levelling with soil. Grave surrounds should not be placed on the grave within six months of the burial taking place.

If settlement occurs once a surround is installed, we will take every reasonable care in levelling the grave. However, the Council will not be liable for any damage to or loss of items on the grave.

When a second burial is to take place in a grave, we will remove any grave surround and store it for a period of 1 month following the burial. It is the grave owner’s responsibility to collect the surround within that period. When a second burial is to take place in a grave the excavated soil may temporarily have to be placed over an adjacent grave. We will make every effort to protect the grave and to ensure that no damage occurs to the grave or gravestone.

All floral tributes will be left on the grave for 14 days after the funeral has taken place. After that time they will be removed and disposed of. Any memorial or grave that is unsafe will be made safe by the Council without further notice.

Access to Stapenhill Cemetery is via the main gates on Stapenhill Road or via the gate at the top of Elms Road. One hour prior to a funeral entering the cemetery the barriers will be closed and no vehicular access allowed. Whilst a funeral is in progress, vehicular access is restricted to those attending the funeral. At all times, drivers are asked to use the parking/ passing bays and not drive on grassed areas.

General maintenance consists of grass cutting which takes place 10 times a year from March to November. Hedge trimming and shrub works are undertaken November-March.