Residents invited to mark extension of Middleton Cemetery

Residents are invited to a special dedication ceremony on 1 August to mark the extension of Middleton cemetery.

The Boarshaw Road cemetery, which marks its centenary this year, has been extended to provide enough burial space for a further 16 years.

Other improvements include new pathways and car parking as well as new drainage, water taps and foundations for the erection of headstones.

The extension builds on the work of the council and the Friends of Middleton Cemetery who regularly give up their time to improve the site and have helped it retain its green flag status for the third year running this year.

The opening ceremony will be carried out by the Chairman of the Middleton Township, Cllr Neil Emmott, while the Bishop of Middleton, the Rt Reverend Mark Davies, will consecrate the new site. The Middleton Joint Churches will lead the service.

Councillor Martin Burke, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Operational Services at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “These improvements mean that the people of Middleton will have a peaceful and pleasant place in the heart of their township where they can continue to bury their loved ones for years to come.”

Anyone who would like to attend is asked to meet at 2.00pm at the Crematorium Chapel.