Burial spaces crisis feared

Kidderminster's new multi-million pound cemetery must open by August next year because space at the old burial ground will have run out.

Plots at the current site in Park Lane are almost full, leaving council chiefs just eight months to get the new site up and running.

The plans for the new graveyard on Stourport Road are going ahead despite a freeze on £9 million of Wyre Forest District Council funds invested in troubled Icelandic banks.

Many thought the development would have to be halted because of the cash crisis.

Cabinet member for operational services, Councillor Tracey Onslow, said: "It has been questioned whether we should proceed in the current climate.

"However we must provide space for people as and when it is required. The death rate has slowed which means we have been able to prepare for this.

"The new site will have to be open by August as the old site will be full.

The death rate could slow even further but that is what we are working towards at the moment."

The new cemetery will be created on a 26-acre site off the Stourport Road.

It will cost between £2.3 million and £5 million dependent upon whether a crematorium is eventually included in the plans.

Councillor Onslow said the crematorium, which is planned for the site, was not part of the council's plans as it would be carried out by private contractors.

Council leaders say it will save mourners the cost and trouble of lengthy journeys to Stourbridge, Worcester and Redditch for cremations.

Initial works have begun at the new site with engineering works are now expected to begin shortly with planting and the creation of access roads scheduled to be carried out early next year.