Families affected by an investigation into a former funeral home business in East Yorkshire have been consulted on designs for permanent memorials.
Memorial gardens will be built at the Northern Cemetery in Hull and at the Lelley Fields Crematorium near Preston in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
They will provide peaceful and respectful settings, where ashes of those involved can be laid to rest.
An architect has been working closely with staff at the two locations to come up with designs that fit in with the character and appearance of both facilities.
Hull City Council’s Director of Adult Social Care, Tracy Meyerhoff, who is leading the work to support the families and communities affected by the incident in Hull, said: “We know that we are a year on from this incident emerging, and we’re continuing to support people who are still dealing with this distressing situation.
“It’s really important that they are involved in shaping these permanent memorials, so we’ve been hearing from them about the type of things they’d like to have.”
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s recovery lead for the incident, and Director of Housing, Transportation and Public Protection, Angela Dearing, said: “Families and loved ones have been given the first opportunity to influence the final designs, but there will be a chance for the wider public to also have their say over the coming weeks.
“We’re going to have a series of in-person events next month showcasing the proposals, and there will also be a feedback form which can be submitted online.”
The in-person events will be held in Hull and the East Riding during April, with details to be confirmed about them and the online feedback form via the social media of both councils.
The independent charity Victim Support continues to run a dedicated helpline and support service for anyone affected by the incident.
Specialist staff have been delivering support since April last year, helping those affected with the return of the ashes process and advocating with banks on suspected funeral plan fraud.
The dedicated Supportline is available on 0808 281 1136.
For more information about Victim Support, go to Victim Support — Legacy Independent Funeral Directors investigation.
For more information on the Legacy incident, go to Information and support: Legacy Independent Funeral Directors incident (hulleryc.uk).
