Hi, I've just read this on another family history forum, and thought I'd post it on here. I've completed the survey, as it involves cemeteries in Co Durham. Jan B Cemetery Consultation - Durham County Council Durham County Council have just started a cemetery policies consultation. As well as the usual things to consider there are also questions about charges for family history enquiries & part of the survey has questions about an online cemetery database (i've recommended they consider providing their registers to Deceased Online). I've also recommended that they allow all their cemetery registers to be microfilmed by the archives so people can search them free of charge. Five of the seven councils that became the unitary Durham County Council in April 2009 had responsibility for cemeteries. Out of the five, four already had their registers microfilmed by the archives. I & several other people have enquired if the registers for 17 cemeteries the remaining one old district council were responsible for were going to be made available at the archives to which the response has been no. I've also recommended that if they decide to 'pocket' memorials they record any inscription that will be lost. Would be grateful if fellow members would complete the survey. http://www.durham.gov.uk/Pages/Servi...ServiceId=8305 Bereavement Services: cemetery policies consultation We are responsible for 47 open cemeteries and 83 closed churchyards in County Durham. We're developing a set of policies to guide the way Durham County Council cemeteries are managed in the future. This consultation gives you the chance to have your say on the new policies. This consultation began on Tuesday 3 May and ends on Monday 25 July. How you can get involved You can have your say in the following ways. Use the online form below. Print off and complete the pdf form below and return it to the address at the bottom of the page. Call us on the contact number at the bottom of the page for a paper copy of the survey. Background information The policies consider the issues of cemetery capacity, unsafe headstones, kerb surrounds, adornments, municipal funerals, family searches and woodland burials. Five of the former district councils (Durham City, Wear Valley, Teesdale, Chester-le-Street and Derwentside) provided a burial service, each with its own local rules and regulations. Whilst local customs and practices have been respected since the formation of the unitary authority, there is a need to have a consistent approach in the way we manage all cemeteries. The proposed policies also apply to the management of closed churchyards in Easington and Sedgefield (town and parish councils are responsible for open cemeteries in these two areas). The last day to have your say on this consultation is Monday 25 July. Responses will be collated and a final policy will be considered by Durham County Council cabinet in the autumn.