Burial shortfall looming
Oct 6 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal
PROMPT action is needed to tackle a looming shortage of burial space in Northumberland’s most heavily-populated area, according to a new report.
Available burial plots in Blyth Valley cemeteries and churchyards are said to be running out. A local working group is now calling on the county’s new unitary council to address the issue as a matter of urgency.
A Blyth Valley Borough Council review commission has recommended that the all-purpose authority should begin planning for the provision of new burial space when it takes over in April.
The commission has earmarked the extension of the existing cemetery on Blyth Links as the best option for creating new graves space. It has also flagged up the south-west sector of Cramlington – where major development plans are in the pipeline – as a potential area for a new cemetery.
Extending existing churchyards in Seghill and Horton has also been suggested as a possibility, but only if other options fail to come off.
And the commission has ruled out additional burial space being provided in Seaton Sluice, Cowpen in Blyth and in the Mayfield and Village areas of Cramlington.
Members of Blyth Valley Council’s sustainable communities review commission will discuss the recommendations at a meeting this Wednesday .
The looming shortage of burial space became evident last year during a review set up to examine environmentally friendly burial services in the borough.
A report to Wednesday’s meeting says there is farmland surrounding the Blyth Links cemetery which could accommodate an expansion. The site is considered the most suitable for early development.
In addition, officers have suggested that burial space could be created as part of the masterplan for the development of the final phase of Cramlington, although extensive survey work will be required first.
It is likely to take between 18 and 24 months to bring any new burial site into operation, and the review commission says it will be the job of the new Northumberland Council to assess costs and decide the way forward.
