Southampton cemetery: Anger at meeting over bollards plan

Those gathered vented their frustration at the first consultation meeting after Southampton City Council workers were forced to stop installing bollards at St Mary Extra Cemetery.

The authority had been due to put in measures to stop cars driving along narrow lanes but relatives of loved ones buried at the cemetery held a protest blocking the work.

Council officials met with relatives at Southampton Crematorium on Bassett Green Road on Thursday night to kickstart a consultation.

Members of the audience were angry - shouting over each other in a bid to have their point heard.

READ MORE: Controversial cemetery bollard plans paused after backlash

Ian Collins, Director of Environment at Southampton City Council, headed the meeting. 

Insults were thrown at the council, with one man shouting across the room that Mr Collins "should be sacked".

In response, Mr Collins said: "Thank you, sir."

Mr Collins said the main drive is the only place that vehicles are allowed to be in the cemetery, and the side lanes are not for vehicles. 

"As we know, there are no restrictions," he said. 

"What we've experienced at the cemetery is an increased number of complaints from grave owners whose grave spaces or memorials have been damaged by vehicles."

READ MORE: Why families are against cemetery bollards plans - and what the council says about it

Those at the meeting argued that this damage was caught by workmen using diggers and quadbikes rather than visitors' cars. 

Elderly and disabled grave owners are worried that they would be unable to access their loved ones' graves should the vehicle access be removed. 

But Mr Collins said that vehicles are causing damage to the pathways and the road surface, adding that potholes were a hazard. 

He said that the council has "experienced injuries" on the site from people "tripping and slipping". 

Jason William Green, 35, from Sholing, recently lost his dad after he became unwell and went into a coma. 

Jason William Green with his mum Caroline Green. (Image: Daily Echo)

He said that it was "the hardest thing" his family has ever had to do and they are still waiting to bury him.

He said that his dad chose St Mary Extra Cemetery as his brother is buried here and that his mum, Caroline, 59, will now have to take ownership of the grave, which will cost £100.

Jason said that his mum will struggle to reach the grave if vehicle access is removed as she suffers from arthritis and a heart condition. 

"We will have to maintain the grave because there hasn't been maintenance there for some time," he said. 

Rosie Beasley, 45, from Durley, said she has a number of family members buried at the cemetery.

"This is completely absurd," she said. 

"They are only holding this consultation because that's what they should've done in the first place. 

"It's not fair in this day and age that a disabled person can't do something. 

"There shouldn't be one rule just because you're fit and able and then a person who can't walk can't go and see their loved one without booking an appointment."

The consultation can be found here.