Cemetery bill may total £5m

Costs of a new cemetery for the Wyre Forest district could vary between £2.3 million and £5 million, it was revealed today.

Talks are expected to take place about whether a crematorium should be included. Wyre Forest District Council has bought 26-acres of land at Bone Mill for the scheme.

It will provide burial space for 50 years.

The present Park Lane cemetery is expected to run out of space by December 2008 but the new pIan may mean people no longer have to travel to Stourbridge for the nearest crematorium.

The plan was put forward because many churchyards are also reaching capacity.

Consultants say the new site would be suitable and prepared three options which may include a chapel, crematorium and burial sites for all religious faiths as well as burials using cardboard coffins and other bio-degradable materials. There would be facilities for non-denominational funerals.

The council's cabinet last night decided to ask the community and regeneration overview and scrutiny committee to consider all affordable options. A report is expected to be prepared for the next cabinet meeting in October but a final decision on funding is not expected to be made until next February.

Meanwhile, the council has been asked to halt the advance purchase of burial spaces in Kidderminster Cemetery during development of the new cemetery.

Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member responsible for property and operational services, said that although the council did not have a legal obligation to provide a cemetery there was clearly a high demand. They wanted to ensure all residents had a chance to comment and anyone interested should let them know what they think.

By Sue Smith