I read with interest your recent article 'Rumpus over child graves'. There are two sides to every story and I would like to put forward a different perspective on this matter.
On having a child buried in this baby graves area of Whitworth Road cemetery, parents sign a form agreeing to certain conditions. One main condition is that the graves are not covered in flowers, ornaments or other items which may make it difficult to maintain these areas.
Due to the nature of this area the council has, over the years, been very tolerant in letting parents leave items on the graves. It had got to a stage where the quantities of items left made this area not only look untidy but nearly impossible to maintain.
At this stage, the council decided that some better form of allowing parents to leave some items was needed.
At a meeting at the cemetery, to which where all interested parties were welcome to attend, it was decided that two headstones set in their own areas would be erected and any items could be left around these without being disturbed.
For the record, this was a kind gesture by the council and one which did cost a significant amount to implement.
However, it appears this matter is still not resolved. It now transpires that Ms Porter is not happy with this arrangement and wants the council to now incur an estimated cost of £25,000 per year to maintain this area.
This cost is made up of new equipment and a person dedicated to moving items and reinstating them after maintenance.
This is not only impractical but also a drain on the council's limited reserves.
I, having a baby in this area, feel the council has been more than understanding and generous in terms of time and funding. Surely now is the time for us parents to bear the responsibility of this area in whatever form this may take.
Now is the time to resolve this matter and not let this situation rumble on.
Lastly, I would like to recognise the efforts of Mayor Stan Pajak and Councillor Maureen Dilley for their work behind the scenes and say a thank you to the cemetery staff who work in sometimes difficult circumstances.
Keith Wilson
Cricklade Road
Gorse Hill
Swindon
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