Rules and Regulations in respect of the Borough Cemeteries
Dedicated Benches
- Dedicated benches may only be placed in the Borough Cemeteries with the prior approval of the Council. Anyone wishing to place such a bench must first submit an appropriate request form to the Council's Care For Your Area Service, and pay the requisite fee. Request forms are available on the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council website.
- The granting of such a request is entirely at the discretion of the Council.
- The Council will determine the style of bench to be provided, and the location in which the bench is to be placed.
- Dedicated benches will remain the sole property of the Council, and are placed for the use of all cemetery visitors.
- Personalisation of benches is not permitted. Floral tributes and or personal items may not be placed upon a bench, or in its vicinity. If such items are found, they will become subject to the procedure set out at Regulation 28 (43-46) herein.
- The Council will undertake responsibility for maintenance of benches, to include keeping the bench clean and fit for purpose, the removal of graffiti and repair of minor faults.
- Benches have an expected life period of approximately 20 years, and will be removed once their condition has deteriorated beyond practical or economic repair.
- Where there is no space for a new bench, it may be permissible to place a dedication plaque on an existing bench or shared communal dedication bench, provided such bench is in good condition. A fee, to be determined, will be payable in such instances.
- Further details (including available bench types and fees) are set out in the "Request for a Dedicated Bench" application form.