Work begins on new cemetery
GROUND EXPECTED TO LAST FOR 100 YEARS OR 5,000 BURIALS
We have worked hard to ensure the landscaping blends into the rural surroundings
Coun Jenny Bokor
CONSTRUCTION has begun on a new cemetery which will provide thousands of new burial plots.
Charnwood Borough Council is creating the new facility in Watermead Lane, in Loughborough, which will include memorial gardens and space for natural burials.
The cemetery is being developed in phases with the first stage including space for more than 5,000 burials, which on current trends will last for 100 years.
Councillors identified the need for a new burial ground as the Leicesarea ter Road cemetery is set to run out of spaces within the next two years. The council’s lead member for Loughborough, Councillor Jenny Bokor, said: “I am pleased work has begun to create a peaceful and respectful resting place which the town can be proud of. It will also be a place for reflection and offer visitors views up to the Outwoods.
“We have worked hard to ensure the landscaping blends into the rural surroundings while also bringing benefits to the local wildlife and environment.
“The council is committed to investing in local services which are important to residents and this phase of the project will serve Loughborough over the next 100 years.
“I look forward to seeing it progress over the next few months and when it is completed.”
About 200 trees will be planted during the first stage, as well as a wide range of plants and shrubs, all of which will combine to provide food and habitat resources for wildlife.
Wildflowers and aquatic plants will further enhance the ecology together with repairs to existing hedgerows.
Over 400 metres of new beech hedging will also be planted to provide corridors, foraging and protection for birds, mammals and reptiles.
Visitor parking will be built at the site, while a new multi-use games is being created for residents nearby as part of the project, to be used for mini tennis, netball, basketball and football. Vehicles will be able to access the site via Nanpantan Road, with the access road to the sports facility to be extended.
The work is being carried out by idverde, the council’s open spaces partner. The town’s crematorium