Controversial plans to install bollards at a cemetery will be discussed at an upcoming consultation – and residents are demanding answers.
Families and loved ones of those buried at St Mary Extra Cemetery are hoping to question the council at the upcoming meeting in June.
Southampton City Council is proposing to restrict vehicle access at the Sholing cemetery.
But residents say this move will ‘discriminate against’ disabled people.
Rosie Beazley is an avid campaigner against the plans.
READ MORE: Cemetery bollard plans paused after backlash
The 45-year-old, who has family members buried at the cemetery, said: “At the consultation, we want to discuss how this idea, which hasn’t worked at other cemeteries, is going to be imposed here.
“You can’t expect people to book an appointment to see a loved one. I can’t believe they have even suggested it.
“We are not happy about the plans, it’s not correct or right.
“I go to the cemetery because my family is buried there. If you are buried, someone should look after the grave, otherwise, it’s disrespectful to the person who’s buried.
“The council is being discriminatory against disabled people.
“Disabled people will not have the same rights as able-bodied people who will be able to go when they like if this goes ahead.”
Grieving families staged a protest at the cemetery and set up a petition to block the move by the council earlier this year.
No official consultation was held prior to the council placing public notices on trees in March which detailed the plans. But the council will now listen to concerns.
Rosie said: “The council knows they should have had a meeting about this in the first instance but are now backtracking by arranging this consultation.
“However, the council did acknowledge they made a mistake.
“They will either plan on doing what they want to do or will negotiate.
“The cemetery is not designed for parking and walking; it doesn’t work logistically.”
She added: “It’s very wearying, we’re all in limbo.
“Will the council make a U-turn? Or will they still do it because they can?”
A petition has been launched to stop the plans and can be signed by visiting www.change.org/p/stop-the-bollards-st-mary-s-extra-cemetery-portsmouth-road
The consultation meeting will be held on Thursday, June 8 from 4pm to 5pm at Southampton Crematorium in Bassett Green Road.
Previously the council said: "The work taking place at the cemetery is to ensure the current restrictions are complied with and to prevent further damage."
The authority also said that according to the Local Authorities’ Cemeteries Order 1977 and relevant health & safety legislation, "there is no legal requirement to carry out public consultation on day-to-day operational matters including opening times and access arrangements".
Share