Councils commit to permanent memorial for Legacy families

Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council have confirmed a commitment to a permanent memorial for those affected by the ongoing incident involving Legacy Independent Funeral Directors Limited. The news comes after Humberside officers cordoned off three of Legacy’s branches after it received a report on 6 March 2024 of concerns “in relation to the storage and management and processes of the deceased people within those premises”. Over the past few weeks, council staff have supported Humberside Police 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 at an appropriate time, and when all of 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. The update comes after Humberside Police last month confirmed details of the process involving recovered ashes. All ashes that are being cared for by council staff are being respectfully stored and recorded, and families have been told that they don’t 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. Specialist staff have also been delivering support since April, helping those affected with the return of the ashes process and advocating with banks on suspected funeral plan fraud. Tracy Meyerhoff, Hull 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 of Yorkshire Council’s recovery lead for the incident, and director of Housing, Transportation and Public Protection, added: “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.” Dearing concluded: “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.”