Councillors are set to vote on a bid to replace the sale of memorial benches in Maldon district parks with a leasing scheme, after the decision was deferred earlier this month to allow for more consultation.

Residents have previously bought benches to be installed in parks and open spaces owned by Maldon District Council in tribute to loved ones, but officers have recommended this be stopped due to difficulties including waiting times and cost issues.

Members of the district council's strategy and resources committee will vote on the new leasing scheme proposal next Thursday (3 February), after consulting with the Friends of Heybridge Cemetery group following a committee meeting on 6 January.

The plans have been revised since the meeting to extend the leasing period for a plaque from five years to 10 years, with an option to renew for additional periods.

Each bench would have space for three plaques.

The new scheme would not apply to any benches which have been previously confirmed as purchased by families.

Debbie Horney, cemeteries and bereavement services senior coordinator, told the strategy and resources committee earlier this month: "By leasing a plaque on a bench more people can enjoy the scheme, whereas, at the moment, it's a select few people in certain areas.

"This is why we're looking to change the approach to make it a more consistent approach available to more people."

Richard Holmes, director of service delivery and head of paid service, added: "This has taken a lot of thought and care because of our customers, and we obviously know this is very emotive for those people involved."

He said there is a "pressing need" to change the policy.

It currently costs £1,200 to buy a bench, while the lease of a plaque would be set at £600.

It would cost £500 to renew the plaque for an additional 10-year period, and £300 for an extra five-year period.

The council receives on average one new request for a bench every week, which officers said they "have no means to accommodate".

The officers' report recommends that an improved and centrally-recorded inspection programme for all benches on land owned by the council be created by March, alongside a supporting database.

Any benches which have fallen into disrepair would be removed and the new arrangements would apply to any replacements.

The cataloguing project would aim to be completed by March and a yearly inspection would take place during the spring each year.

If approved, the new scheme will come into place from 1 April.

The revised report to councillors adds: "The concept of having a memorial wall or memorial pavement, where plaques or other can be placed, needs further investigation and development.

"The Friends' groups will be consulted, and a proposed idea will be put to a future council meeting later in the year."