Hattem municipality to clear 57 abandoned graves to free up burial space
Residents of Hattem may notice changes at the local cemetery as the municipality prepares to clear 57 graves with unknown owners. The process aims to create space for future burials while respecting the deceased and their families.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kerkhofdijk, Hattem |
| Number of graves cleared | 57 |
| Grave owner status | Unknown (no rightful owner identified) |
| Process timeline | Red plaques placed, clearing in 2 years |
| Visitor access | Cemetery remains open during process |
| Work suspension | During funeral services |
Municipalities in the Netherlands manage public cemeteries, ensuring proper maintenance and adherence to burial regulations. They are responsible for clearing abandoned graves to maintain space for future burials while balancing respect for the deceased and their families.
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Municipality to clear graves
In the coming period, the municipality will clear 57 graves at the municipal cemetery on Kerkhofdijk in Hattem. The clearing will be done in a respectful manner. We will take into account the feelings of those affected. By clearing graves, space will also be made available in the future for those who have passed away to be buried. During this period, you can still visit the cemetery as usual. Naturally, work will be suspended during funeral services.
Abandoned graves (without rightful owner)
Green plaques have already been placed at several graves for some time. The rightful owners (owners of the graves) of these graves are unknown. We have attempted to locate these rightful owners. For some graves, this has been successful, but for others, it has not. Graves for which no rightful owner has come forward after at least one year will revert to municipal ownership. Red plaques will be placed at these graves in the coming period. These graves will be cleared two years after the red plaques are placed. Once a red plaque has been placed at a grave with no known rightful owner, this cannot be reversed.