Legacy Funeral Directors: Families consulted on designs for permanent memorials

IN MEMORY: The proposed design for the Northern Cemetery in Hull

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Families affected by the investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors 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.

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 case, 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 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.

Humberside Police launched a major investigation in March 2024 after being alerted to the concerns at Legacy’s premises in Hessle Road and Anlaby Road in Hull, and at Beckside in Beverley.

As part of the inquiry, a total of 35 bodies were moved from the Hessle Road site.

The force submitted a file of evidence containing more than 13,000 exhibits to the Crown Prosecution Service in January, for prosecutors to decide if any charges should be brought in the case.

Families directly affected by the investigation have been invited to attend the memorial event at Hull Minster on Thursday, March 6.