Cemetery improvements prove big success. » Communities » 24dash.com

A £2.5-million investment plan at St.Helens and Newton cemeteries by St.Helens Council has proved a big success with users.

The new St. Helens Cemetery car park has created an additional 80 spaces with some dedicated for use by disabled drivers.

Disabled access to the cemetery has also being improved. More than 800 blue badge holders have already been provided with free swipe cards to operate the electronic barrier installed at the main entrance into St.Helens cemetery. These are available from the Cemetery Office on production of proof of eligibility for a blue badge. The Council has been working closely with the Friends of St. Helens Cemetery Group to address users needs.

Over the past few years there has been considerable concern expressed by both visitors to St Helens cemetery and the Council regarding the amount of traffic using the cemetery. In response to this and other concerns, the Council decided to invest in a number of improvements to both St Helens and Newton cemeteries.

In Newton Cemetery the Chapel has been refurbished and redecorated; all paths and roadways have been resurfaced; additional car parking has been provided and traffic bollards have been installed to prevent vehicles driving over grassed areas. Memorial safety inspections are ongoing at both cemeteries

Councillor Carole Kavanagh, the Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Protection said: “The investment in the cemeteries have been very well received and such improvements add to the considerable asset the cemeteries add to the town. Further improvements, including an extension to St Helens cemetery, are planned and these will become visible in the very near future after full consultation with the "Friends of St Helens cemetery".

Sonia Neighbour, the Council’s Bereavement Services Manager added: “In order for the new access scheme to work safely, drivers should take note of the warning signs displayed in the new car park particularly those relating to " NO tailgating the vehicle in front ".