Two more cemetery sites withdrawn

Two more possible sites for a new Rochdale Cemetery have been withdrawn from the public consultation.

The proposed Shaw Road, Buersil and Thornham Lane, Slattocks sites will no longer be considered after the landowners confirmed they are now unwilling to sell the land. 

Last week Rochdale Online reported that the Bury and Rochdale Old Road/Norden Road and the Wardle Road sites had also been withdrawn.

The one remaining site is the one on Bury and Rochdale Old Road.

This site was the originally proposed plot but plans were put on hold following a public outcry over the use of the land, which ultimately led to new consultation on suggested plots.

Residents in the areas where the sites have been withdrawn have been notified.

The council have confirmed they intend to bring forward further sites as part of the ongoing consultation process.

Mark Widdup, Director of Environmental Management said: “I can confirm that four of the five proposed sites have now been withdrawn from the process.

“It would not be reasonable to progress through the consultation with just a single site so we will be bringing forward additional sites as part of an extended consultation process.

“This will ensure that any new sites, whether in private or council ownership, can be fairly considered.”

The consultation will now be extended to 16 September 2011.

Once additional sites have been identified there will be discussions with landowners where appropriate, and also with any local residents who may be affected.

People can have their say in writing, online at www.rochdale.gov.uk/consultations and in person during locally held drop in evenings. The dates, times and venues for all the meetings will be communicated to local residents.

Mr Widdup added: “These meetings provide an opportunity to explain our current position regarding cemetery space, as well as giving residents the opportunity to provide us with valuable feedback which will be taken into consideration.”

Residents who objected to the use of the Shaw Road site are said to be ‘delighted’ that the plans have been withdrawn.

Three local girls aged just 13 even took the time and effort, with their parents consent, to collect over 100 signatures in a petition against the cemetery.

Councillor Pat Colclough said: “We are delighted that the proposal for a cemetery site on Shaw Road Buersil has now been withdrawn.

“Over the last couple of weeks, we have spoken to dozens of local residents in the area and it was quite clear that the majority of them didn’t support this proposal.

“I would like to thank the three young girls, all aged just 13, who took their time and effort to collect names of over 100 residents who opposed the idea.

Councillor Dale Mulgrew, said: “I know Thornham residents will meet this news with great relief.

“It has caused a great deal of stress to many residents who lived local to the proposed site and had deep concerns.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the girls for their superb effort, initiative and community spirit.

“They presented a well reasoned case for opposition to the cemetery and have articulated their points well.”

To request a printed consultation pack email newcemetery@rochdale.gov.uk or write to Rochdale Borough Council, Environmental Management, New Cemetery Consultation, Green Lane, Heywood, Lancs OL10 2DY.