The Pioneers statue celebrates the canal builders who founded Ellesmere Port and was cast in bronze by Liverpool artist Stephen Broadbent.
A grave space may be purchased at any time but this is generally arranged by the Funeral Director on behalf of the bereaved family. It is customary for the next of kin or the nearest surviving relative of the deceased to be nominated as the purchaser. The purchaser then becomes the registered owner of the grave. The registered owner is the only persons entitled to request for the grave to be re-opened in the future.
The popular belief that the actual grave itself is purchased is incorrect. The purchaser only acquires a right of burial within a grave for a period of up to 60 years. The land and the responsibility for the general management of the burial area and the cemetery remains with the Council.
After the purchase of a new grave, the grave owner will receive a document titled the 'Grant of Exclusive Right of Burial', this grave deed or title deed reserves for the owner the right of burial in the grave purchased if so desired. If the grave deed owner dies, the ownership and the Right of Burial will normally pass to the heirs of the Estate. The proposed new owner must contact the Council so that the necessary formal arrangements can be made for the transfer of ownership. This will avoid any difficulties, which may arise if the grave is to be re-opened in the future or when memorials are to be installed on the grave space.
The cemetery provides individual burial areas to cater for differing denominations, these include, Roman Catholic Section, Church of England Section and a Non-Conformist Section. Within the cemeteries there are three distinct area classifications namely Lawned, Traditional and Lawned Cremated Remains Sections. Each of these areas is governed by Council Policy and the Cemetery Rules and Regulations.
You should be aware from your Funeral Director of the differences and conditions applicable to these areas. If there is any doubt about these matters please refer to this booklet for clarification, alternatively please contact the Bereavement Services Manager who will advise you accordingly.
