Green light for the extension of Heywood Cemetery

12.00.00am GMT Tue 29th Jan 2008

The Council Cabinet decided last night (Monday 28 February) to recommend the extension of Heywood Cemetery to Council as part of the budget proposals 2008/09.

Councillor Wera Hobhouse, Cabinet member for the Environment, which includes the responsibility for cemeteries, said: "I am delighted that we have found a solution to the Heywood Cemetery problem. The issue was a high priority for me. Since it became clear that people in Heywood really need to get an answer, I requested an urgent report last week.

The land adjacent to the cemetery, which already belongs to the council, was originally found to be unsuitable. However we have now changed the design which makes part of the site suitable, but still provides enough spaces for the next 30 to 40 years. I think that is the right solution and I have recommended that we make the money for those changes available. I hope this demonstrates the Liberal Democrat Council's commitment to the people of Heywood."

Heywood North Councillor Peter Rush, whose Harold Lees Road home is within sight of the cemetery said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have taken this step to saving our cemetery. I was appalled when I discovered the possibility of the cemetery being moved out of Heywood and I have fought hard on behalf of local residents to keep the cemetery within our borders.

"Spaces in Heywood Cemetery are running out in the next two years, so we urgently needed to sort this out. I would like to thank my Liberal Democrat colleagues for the help and work they have put in to saving our cemetery."