Legacy Funeral Directors: Families to get memorial for remembrance

INVESTIGATION: Legacy Independent Funeral Directors

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

A memorial is to be created for people affected by the “ongoing incident” involving Legacy Independent Funeral Directors after consultation with families.

Hull City Council said today it and East Riding Council had “confirmed a commitment to a permanent memorial for those affected by the ongoing incident involving Legacy Independent Funeral Directors Limited”.

Humberside Police is now into the sixth month of a complex investigation into the firm after receiving a report of “concern for care of the deceased” at its 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 to a Hull mortuary. They were all formally identified and their relatives were informed.

On July 1 the force said it had contacted 163 families about the return of ashes recovered from the Hessle Road premises. It had said in April it would be unable to identify any of the ashes recovered because of the cremation process.

Announcing plans for a memorial, the city council said over the past few weeks staff have supported the force with visits to next of kin to discuss their wishes for their loved one’s ashes, including the option of Bereavement Services continuing to care for their ashes until future interment at a lasting memorial.

Initial design options will be presented to bereaved families when all those affected have been contacted. 

They will be asked for their views and contributions on the options for a memorial, which will be a permanent place for remembrance.

Tracy Meyerhoff, the city council’s director of adult social care, who is leading the work to support the families and communities affected by the incident in Hull, said: “We recognise that it is important for people who have been affected by this very upsetting situation to have a permanent place where they can remember their loved ones in peace and tranquillity.

“We intend to create a place where people can feel close to their loved one’s memory with dignity and where our community can remember and reflect.

“It is essential that we take the time to get this right, and that bereaved families and our communities are very much involved in the process.”

Angela Dearing, East Riding Council’s recovery lead for the incident, and director of housing, transportation and public protection, said: “Together with our colleagues at Hull City Council and community leaders, we are committed to developing an appropriate and accessible memorial for those directly affected by the incident to remember their loved ones.

“Central to this is creating a safe and sensitively located space that isn’t linked to any of the buildings involved in this incident.

“It is important that we give our communities and families the time they need to consider any plans and share their views and long-term wishes.

“Our families continue to remain the focus of any future plans.

“We would take this opportunity to remind anyone affected by the incident that our dedicated helpline for support remains available, on 0808 281 1136.”

The update comes after police last month confirmed details of the process involving recovered ashes.

All ashes being cared for by council staff are being respectfully stored and recorded, and families have been told that they do not have to rush to make any decisions.

The independent charity Victim Support continues to run a dedicated helpline and support service for anyone affected by the incident.