Cardiff Post Article November 2007

I have been highlighting concerns regarding the running and funding of departments in Cardiff Council for many years, and become increasingly frustrated with the apparent abundance of money available for wasteful spending such as unnecessary foreign trips abroad, hospitality and excessive use of consultants to name but a few.  As a result the lack of funding for essential Council departments, such as Bereavement Services, is appalling and this must change.

 

It is essential that funding is put in place for the much needed cemetery extension at Thornhill.  Tenders have come in thousands of pounds over budget, and the Executive have to provide the additional funding for this to be delivered within the next six months as burial space at this location is very limited.

 

Bereavement Services desperately need good quality office accommodation.  When bereaved families visit Thornhill Crematorium to discuss sensitive and often distressing issues, they meet with staff in rooms which are inadequate to say the least.  People use this service at very vulnerable points in their lives, and the minimum that the Council can offer should surely be good quality accommodation for the 21st Century.

 

Due to the nature of the service it provides, the grounds used by Bereavement Services for burials expands by approximately one acre each year - yet no additional money is made available to appoint additional grounds staff to keep and maintain the area to a good standard.

 

From Monday 3rd December, you can purchase Memorial Tags 7 days a week (normal office hours during the week, and between 10am - 4pm on weekends).  Donations of two pounds or more are requested.  Messages are written on tags and then hung on the large Christmas Trees in Thornhill Cemetery.  All proceeds go to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

 

The Annual Christmas Service held at Thornhill Crematorium will take place on Sunday 9th December, starting with Christmas Carols at 1.45pm and is open to all.  After the service, refreshments will be served. 

 

My ward colleague Adrian Robson and I have a number of Christmas Coffee Mornings which we are inviting residents to attend : 1st December, Bethany Baptist Church in Rhiwbina, between 10.30am - 12 Noon.  6th December, All Saints Church in Rhiwbina, between 10.30am - 12 Noon.  8th December, Rhiwbina Baptist Church between 10.30am - 12 Noon.  11th and 14th December, Beulah Assembly Rooms in Rhiwbina, between 6.30pm - 8pm.

 

I can be contacted on Tel 02920 627757, Mobile / Text 07970 013332, Fax 02920 877005, E-Mail jcowan@cardiff.gov.uk or log on to www.rhiwbinaward.com