Rules and Regulations in respect of the Borough Cemeteries

1. At present, the Council provides one dedicated Muslim Section, located at Thornaby Cemetery. The Regulations for the management of Lawn Sections shall also apply to Muslim Sections, with the following additional provisions:

2. Graves will be oriented to face Mecca.

3. Without exception, all graves must be excavated by employees of the Council.

4. Any open grave is a potential danger, even where shoring has been installed, and should not be entered by anyone other than staff contracted or sub-contracted to Stockton Borough Council. Any unauthorised individual entering a grave does so at their own risk.

5. Where a coffin is not used, the deceased must be conveyed to the cemetery in a closed van or other suitable vehicle, and carried discreetly to the graveside in a shroud and kept from public view during the burial service.

6. Pursuant to the provisions of the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, where the deceased has died from a notifiable disease, the body must be taken directly to the grave in a sealed coffin.

7.Graves may be mounded to a maximum height of 15cm (6ins) above normal ground level after settlement has occurred.

Arranging a Funeral in a Muslim Section

8. The usual notice period for a burial is 24 hours, unless arrangements can reasonably be made in less than 24 hours. In this case, Bereavement Services must receive a completed Notice of Burial, appropriate certificates for burial and the applicable fee by no later than 11am on the morning of the proposed burial date, if the burial is to take place that afternoon.