Work to start on new cemetery in Rowley Regis

Preparatory work including surveys and the installation of signage will start on open space off Powke Lane, close to the existing cemetery and crematorium, in August.

The main construction and landscaping works will then begin in early 2021 and is expected to be completed by January 2022.

Plans for the site include the creation of space for burials which will serve the people of Sandwell for the next 50 years, as well as an office building and toilets for staff and mourners.

Work on the new cemetery will see more than 70 per cent of the existing green area remain as public open space. Public rights of way will also be maintained.

Sandwell Council's deputy leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, said: “Without this new site, we are facing the possibility of families being unable to bury their loved ones here in the not too distant future.

“It will take up less than 30 per cent of the green space we are using, and the rest of the area will still be open to the public for walks and other activities. The cemetery and the surrounding open space will still be a sanctuary for wildlife.

“Work will be carried out with the minimum of disruption to residents and we’ll be focussing on not only improving the open space that remains accessible to residents, but also boosting the ecological value of the site.”