Plans agreed to secure the future provision at Thorpe Road Cemetery
Melton Borough Council has approved a new policy to enhance the cemetery provision and agreed plans to increase capacity at Thorpe Road Cemetery.
The creation of additional burial and cremation plots at the cemetery will support the community and help ensure local families can continue to bury their loved ones locally for years to come.
Due to the age of the cemetery, the available space is limited and continues to reduce year on year.
The agreed plans will allow the council to remove a number of smaller, lesser-used footpaths to create additional burial and cremation plots. The main pedestrian paths and the access road for vehicles will be retained to ensure visitors can continue to access the cemetery safely and conveniently.
New arrangements will also be introduced for the purchasing of plots, ensuring available space can be allocated fairly and effectively. Plots will only be available for purchase at the time they are needed, helping to maximise capacity and support bereaved families.
The approved policy will help ensure the Thorpe Road cemetery continues to be managed in a respectful, safe and sustainable way, providing clear guidance for bereaved families, visitors and funeral professionals.
Councillor Alison Freer, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance, Waste and Environmental Services said:
"Thorpe Road Cemetery is an important place for many families in our community, and it is essential that we plan ahead to ensure local burial provision remains available for future generations."
""Without these changes, capacity at the cemetery would become increasingly limited, making it more difficult to meet future demand from local families."
"These changes will help us make the best use of the space available, while maintaining the respectful and peaceful environment for local families to remember their loved ones."
Work is expected to take place in 2027. Further information will be published on the council's website and social media channels once work schedules are confirmed, helping to keep users of Thorpe Road Cemetery informed throughout the duration of the works.
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For more information please contact: communications@melton.gov.uk