St Mary Extra Cemetery bollards plan scrapped after backlash

The original plan to restrict vehicle access to the side paths at St Mary Extra Cemetery, on Portsmouth Road, was met with a protest by angry relatives of those buried at the site.

The bollards were due to be installed to reduce damage to graves and memorials, as well as to reduce potholes.

Protesting family members parked their cars along the street in March to stop workers from installing the bollards.

No consultation had been carried out as it was not required, but following the Echo's coverage of the protest and backlash from the public, Southampton City Council took the views onboard.

Families protesting against plans to install bollards at St Mary Extra Cemetery. (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Southampton cemetery bollard plans paused after backlash

Councillor Eammon Keogh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We have listened to the public and have decided not to go ahead with the bollards.

"There are groups of visitors who use the cemetery with opposing views and our decision will not be popular with all.

“We appeal to everyone involved to respect the views and rights of others and to make the cemetery a peaceful place where relatives can pay respect to their deceased loved ones.  

“We will continue to look for a solution to reduce damage caused by vehicles to ensure St Mary Extra Cemetery is a safe and peaceful place for all.”

The council said the impact on respondents was considered, alongside the votes for and against.

Some 49 per cent of respondents were in favour of the installation of bollards, while 46 per cent of respondents voted against it. Some 38 per cent strongly disagreed.

A statement said: "Despite the small overall majority for the bollards, the decision has been made not to install the bollards.

"This is because the groups that most strongly disagreed and would be most adversely impacted by the proposals were those with loved ones laid to rest at St Mary Extra (57 per cent), respondents that said they are disabled (60 per cent) and residents of the SO19 postcode area (54 per cent)."

Heather White, Service Manager for Bereavement, said: “The council has responsibility for the proper management and control of the cemetery and, as such, has the difficult task of balancing the needs of all cemetery visitors, whether in vehicles or on foot and of the grave owners, many of whom have placed kerb sets and memorials on graves adjoining the footpaths.

“We would like to remind the public that any person who damages, defaces or destroys any property or causes any nuisance within the cemeteries will be liable to prosecution.”