Memorial to stillborn babies to be refurbished

The memorial in Barnsley Cemetery was first unveiled in 1986

A memorial to stillborn babies will be refurbished ahead of the 40th anniversary of its unveiling.

The stone monument in Barnsley Cemetery, which was unveiled by then-mayor Alice Wood in July 1986, has become tilted and in need of cleaning in recent years.

Councillor Jake Lodge, whose stillborn sister is buried in the cemetery, urged Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council to restore the memorial.

At a full council meeting on Thursday, councillors agreed for the work to go ahead.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, James Higginbottom, the council's spokesperson for highways and the environment, said: "The memorial stone in Barnsley Cemetery that commemorates stillborn children is a poignant tribute and a source of comfort to parents and families in the borough who have suffered a hugely traumatic event.

"Bereavement services will be very happy to work with you, Councillor Lodge, and any other interested parties to refurbish and rededicate the memorial in a suitable way. "

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