Cemetery becomes focus for filming

Allum Lane Cemetery in Elstree became the focus for a film crew working on a BBC programme last Thursday, with our very own area parks officer taking the spotlight in front of the camera.

Aaron Niblett, who has worked in the parks department for 10 years, was interviewed about the theft of metal plaques from the cemetery in February.  It will be shown on a new BBC religion and ethics programme, Sunday Life, which starts later this month.

One of the programmes will discuss the theft of metal from graveyards as a national issue as it has happened in other parts of the country as well and Hertsmere will be one of the case studies that will feature on the show.

Aaron said: ''I was initially apprehensive about appearing on camera but I think it's important to highlight this issue as it seems to be coming a national problem affecting communities all over the country." 

Following the incident, the council made the decision to remove any remaining metal plaques from the graves to reduce the risk of this type of theft happening again.  The council is in the process of replacing the stolen plaques, as well as the ones that were removed as a precaution, with a white marble plaque although some families have chosen to make their own arrangements for new memorials.