Memorials to be reinstated at Harlow Hill cemetery
21 July 2009
Over 300 memorials at Harrogate's Harlow Hill Cemetery (
Final resting place of British film star legend Michael Rennie
) are to be reinstated through the Probation Service's Unpaid Work Programme.
Over the past three years, Harrogate Borough Council has reinstated 650 memorials in cemeteries right across the district with support from the programme.
Following a fatal accident in 2000 at the town's Grove Road cemetery, thousands of memorials had to be laid down following concerns over their safety.
Although many owners have secured and reinstated their memorials, many have not been traced which has left the council with the task.
Harlow Hill cemetery with its small chapel is one of the most picturesque in the district.
Opened in 1871, it became the final resting place of film star legend Michael Rennie who was born in Idle near Bradford.
He died in 1971 aged just 61 and he is interred in the family plot.
Councillor Les Ellington, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said:
"Without the support of the Unpaid Work programme, we would be nowhere near where we are now in reinstatement terms.
They have done a tremendous job and so have their supervisors.
Over 60 offenders have also been accredited by York College of Masonry with Open College Network qualifications because of this quality placement scheme.
"Not only is this bringing benefit to local communities and saving public funds, it has also helped many of the probationers gain employment related skills that may help with their future."
Although there will still be specialist memorial work to be done in all cemeteries, such as the tiered memorial crosses, this community service scheme has already made a massive impact on a large percentage of the restoration work.
The Probation Service Supervisors say they class this placement as their flagship and Philip Andrew, the council's Bereavement Services Manager says that other local authorities are following Harrogate's lead by entering into similar partnerships.
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Councillor Les Ellington is available for comment on 01423 712461.
Further technical information is available from Philip Andrew, Bereavement Services Manager on 01423 883523.
Media contact:
Lynne Mee, Communications and Media Manager, 01423 556022 email
lynne.mee@harrogate.gov.uk or mobile 07525 987921 or 07884 226409