Arboretum memorial plans for Shrewsbury ashes scandal babies

Glen Perkins, chairman of the Action for Ashes pressure group, has been in high level discussions with the Government's Justice Minister about the possibility of a memorial being erected at the arboretum, which commemorates thousands of people.

Mr Perkins said: "I have been talking with Caroline Dinenage about the need for there to be a lasting memorial to the babies who have been caught up in this terrible scandal.

"We feel within Action for Ashes that there is a need for there to be some sort of memorial made to them so that they are never forgotten. It would be not only to commemorate the babies from Shropshire but others from around the country who have been involved.

"We held a memorial service last week at Shrewsbury Abbey and while many people felt this was very helpful they also feel there is a need for there to be some sort of permanent structure to the babies.

"Caroline Dinenage was very much in favour of there being something of this sort."

Mr Perkins said the group was looking at something which was "out of the ordinary" and which could be added to over the years.

"We have looked at a few designs and something like a floating series of stones which could be added to over the years is appealing to us at the moment," he said. "Parents are happy to have a national memorial.

"The National Arboretum is a central point in the country for people to come to visit and to pay their respects. It would give a little bit of dignity back to the babies who have been treated so poorly in this whole episode.

"We are also hoping to have an annual service at the arboretum. These are ideas we are playing with at the moment. It is a case of time and motion as to when it gets done."

Mr Perkins is hopeful that funding will be secured from the Government for the memorial. He said: "The Justice Minister is keen to get involved. She is keen to give us as much help and support as she can."

An independent inquiry carried out by Shropshire Council found that more than 50 parents did not receive ashes after their children were cremated at Emstrey Crematorium.

The scandal has led to the Justice Minister pledging to change the law governing cremations in England.

Mr Perkins, whose four-month-old daughter Olivia died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in 2007, was one of a group of parents who travelled to Downing Street to meet the minister earlier this year and presented a 60,000 signature petition to the Prime Minister calling for changes in the law.