Lib Dems To Secure Weekend Burials

2.08.45am GMT Sat 16th Dec 2006

Liberal Democrats on Oxford City Council have pledged to deliver a vital service for Muslims and orthodox Jews, whose religious beliefs require their dead to be buried speedily. Currently, the Council does not offer weekend burials in such circumstances.

Cllr. Altaf-Khan, who represents Headington Hill and Northway on both the City and County Councils, raised the issue and soon secured the support of his Lib Dem colleagues. Altaf said, "if someone died late on Friday or early Saturday morning - and it's a Bank Holiday - that's three days people have to sit around waiting for the burial service. In Pakistan, it's a lot easier, but the council is under a duty to promote equality of opportunity."

Lib Dem councillor Alan Armitage, executive member for a healthier environment, said: "It is the intention of the administration to provide a burials' service which meets the needs and preferences of all sectors of the population of Oxford."