WORK is still very much ongoing at Whitchurch Cemetery, with the aim of safeguarding it for the future.
Some visitors have been disconcerted by the alterations there, but Cllr Peggy Mullock, a Town Council representative on Whitchurch and District Cemetery Board says the work will vastly improve the place.
Concerns have been expressed about the lack of bins, the loss of the lych gate into the premises and changes to the entrance.
Cllr Mullock said: “We took all the bins out because of complaints about rubbish from them blowing around."
“We have provided two big bins on the car park so that as people leave, they can put their rubbish in there."
The Board decided to sell off the Cemetery Lodge on the site to release funds to create an off-road car park, a driveway to the top of the cemetery and to buy more
land to extend the space for burials as it is running out.
The lyche gate leading to the Lodge formed part of the sale, and a new entrance is to be constructed using stones removed from a pathway there. A sign will also be built into the new wall.
The cracked concrete paths around the site are also to be repaired, and eventually there will be a road down the side of the cemetery.
A hand rail will also be put in to help people climb the bank to the end of the cemetery.
Negotiations are going on to buy land at the top and right hand side of the area to provide more space for burials.
Cllr Mullock added: “I have received positive comments from wheelchair users who have visited recently."
“We have to think many years ahead for the good of the town, and this work will greatly enhance the site.”