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Cemeteries

This page provides information on the local cemeteries including opening times, details about purchasing a plot and other related issues.

We are responsible for the general management of two cemeteries. Oadby cemetery is situated on Wigston Road, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5JE. Wigston cemetery is situated on Welford Road, Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 3TE.

Burials

All new burials now take place in the cemeteries lawn sections. In such areas the planting of flowers and shrubs around the graves is not permitted, except for the first 500 millimetres (18 inches) in front of the memorial. Cut flowers and wreaths are allowed immediately in front of the memorial (except for cremated remains plots, where they must be contained within the memorial bed provided).

Donations

Trees and shrubs, seats and litter bins can be donated in memory of a loved one. Plaques may be put under trees and shrubs provided these are no larger than 150 millimetres by 100 millimetres, which is six inches by four inches. The top of the plaque must be no more than 300 millimetres, which is 12 inches above ground level. Plaques can also be attached to donated seats and litter bins.

Memorials

The holder of a deed can install a memorial to the deceased. Applications are usually made through a funeral director or stonemason. There is usually no fee payable but permission is required before installation.

Opening hours

Both cemeteries are open during daylight hours and are available for funerals throughout the week on:-

Monday From 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Tuesday From 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday From 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Thursday From 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Friday From 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Purchasing a plot

Grave and cremated remains plots are usually purchased at the time of a funeral, through the funeral director. They can also be purchased in advance. For more information contact Client Services. When a plot is purchased you receive a Grant of Right of Burial (simply known as 'the deed'). The purchaser and no one else, even if related to the deceased, then has certain rights over the plot including:-

  • who is interred or whose cremated remains are scattered on the grave,
  • what memorial is installed and whether to plant flowers and small shrubs within 18 inches of the memorial.
  • this only applies to burial plots and not cremated remains plots where gardens are not permitted.

The Grant of Right of Burial can be passed to a member of the family and should be recorded with a solicitor. The right to plant flowers is not passed on.

Voluntary organisations

The following organisations can help at this difficult time:-

Cruse bereavement care

This organisation provides information, advice, counselling and support. Telephone their helpline on 0870 167 1677.

Stillbirth and neonatal death society also known as 'sands'

Members are all parents who have suffered the loss of a baby and can offer support through one-to-one or group meetings. Telephone their helpline on (0207) 436 5881.

For further information about cemeteries within the borough of Oadby and Wigston please contact us using the contact panel on the left.

Frequently Asked Questions (10)

How does the council decide whether a cremation or burial should take place?

Generally speaking, a cremation will be arranged, unless we find evidence that this is contrary to the wishes of the deceased person for personal or religious beliefs.

What does the council do to trace any next of kin?

In order to establish who will be responsible for undertaking the funeral arrangements, the council may undertake a full search of the premises where the deceased person lived. If there is no property to search, for example where the death occurs in a care or nursing home, any personal papers will be carefully examined to discover if there are next of kin to arrange the funeral.

What happens if a relative cannot afford the cost of a funeral?

If the relative receives certain benefits, they may be entitled to a one-off payment towards the cost of a funeral. For more information contact your local Jobcentre Plus office (see related links) or Social Security office.

What happens if relatives are found after the estate has gone to the treasury solicitor?

Relatives will need to apply to the Probate Office for a Grant of Probate and Letters of Administration if they wish to access the remainder of the estate. Find out more by contacting the Probate Office and the Treasury Solicitor. Their details can be found at the related links section.

What happens if relatives are not prepared or able to arrange a funeral?

The general rule is that if there are relatives, they should arrange the funeral without the council’s involvement.
However, if it is clear they cannot or will not do this, the council has a duty to make arrangements and recover its costs.
The nearest family member has to sign a disclaimer to acknowledge and agree that the council will collect any funds which become available to offset our costs. This can include the family member being charged by the council for any shortfall.

What happens if the deceased has made a will?

In this case the council cannot become involved in the undertaking of funeral arrangements unless the executor revokes the will.

What happens if the deceased owns a property?

The law allows the council to enter the property and remove any items or assets that may help to pay for the funeral. A careful search may have to be carried out as it is possible important documents may have been stored in unconventional places, for safe keeping.
If the coroner is involved, a coroner’s officer should have previously removed any valuables, money, benefit books and official documents while undertaking their initial investigations into the person’s death.
The council will ensure that the premises are left secure and keys handed to the Coroner’s Office or a police officer. Keys will not be left with neighbours or anyone else.

What happens if the funeral has already been arranged or has taken place?

In either of these cases, the council will not become involved and is not able to refund any expenses that have already been paid or are due to be paid. If you have instructed a funeral director to act, you are responsible for the costs they will charge.

What happens to the deceased person's estate?

Generally after the funeral costs and administration charges have been deducted, any funds over £500 will be forwarded to the Treasury Solicitor (see related links).

What should a landlord do in the case of a death of a tenant?

Landlords should not enter or remove any items from the property until the council has completed enquiries. In normal circumstances, this will be undertaken quickly and the keys returned to the property owner as soon as possible. We will keep the landlord fully up to date with our investigation.

Freedom of Information Requests (3)

Death of Persons with No Known Next of Kin

Requested on
Monday, 19 September 2011
Reference
2011 September 12
Resolution
Information provided

Welfare Funerals

Requested on
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Reference
2011 October 03
Resolution
Information provided

Public Health Funerals

Requested on
Monday, 7 November 2011
Reference
2011 November 04
Resolution
Information already available

Last updated: Tuesday, 28 June 2011 8:25 am

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