No more burials in unmarked graves in Brentwood from July, 11th 2012.

Unmarked graves are set to become a thing of the past in Brentwood – thanks in part to the Gazette, reports 'This is Total Essex'.

As previously reported in this newspaper, Brentwood Borough Council currently inters those who die and have no family in plots without a headstone unless there are funds in place to pay for it.

Council leader Louise McKinlay pledged to investigate following our story and has now decided that simple stone monuments should be provided to mark the final resting place of all those who would previously have been buried in an unmarked grave.She said: "I want to thank the Gazette for bringing this to my attention."It was something that I wasn't aware of and I think it is only right that people are laid to rest with dignity.Having a headstone is a right and proper part of this."

She added: "The thought of someone having to go in an unmarked grave is rather morbid. No-one's life deserves to be forgotten."Since 2005, the authority has funded 19 so-called public funerals, including that of Dennis Rookard, the popular Phoenix FM radio presenter who died in March 2010, aged 67.

At present, the council sets aside an annual budget of £60,000 to pay for the burial or cremation of those who die without a family and this is now likely to be increased to cover the cost of any headstones required.

However, MrsMcKinlay stressed: "This isn't going to cost the council thousands of pounds extra each year.The monument isn't going to be made of marble or anything, it's just going to be a simple stone."

This is an extract - to view the full article please visit:

http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/burials-unmarked-graves/story-16226616-