'Tentative' agreement reached for Edwinstowe cemetery extension

After a loved one passes away, that last thing on your mind should be if you can lay them to rest in your local cemetery.
(L-R) Councillors Karen Peck, Celia Brooks (front), John Peck (back) , Alison Troop, Chrissie Ayre(L-R) Councillors Karen Peck, Celia Brooks (front), John Peck (back) , Alison Troop, Chrissie Ayre
(L-R) Councillors Karen Peck, Celia Brooks (front), John Peck (back) , Alison Troop, Chrissie Ayre

This was the dilemma facing Edwinstowe residents, as their cemetery was getting full.

After a lot of hard work from Edwinstowe Parish Council, they have reached a ‘tentative’ agreement with Thoresby Estates to extend Edwinstowe’s cemetery. Speaking at a parish council meeting, Councillor John Peck said that after a meeting with the estates manager of Thoresby estates, they are happy to hand over land the size of the existing cemetery on a 99 year lease. Memorial trees cover around two thirds of the proposed new land, and the parish council will now have to look into appropriate footpaths, fencing and a road through the land. Councillor John Peck said: “We expect funding for the works on the land to come out of the community funds that have been coming from the Thoresby housing development, so I dont think there will be any expense to council tax payers at all.”Councillor Karen Peck said: “It was only a year ago that we were concerned about the cemetery filling up, and what we would do when it was full. “It seems like things have come together really quickly, and those involved should be congratulated.”Coun John Peck added: “Residents can have confidence that when loved ones pass, they will have somewhere to be buried in Edwinstowe.”Celia Brooks, chair of Edwinstowe Parish Council said: “Nothing will happen immedietly but as a Parish Council, and for future Parish Councils, we need to get a plan in place for developing that cemetery.”The council agreed that a plan will be drawn up once an official agreement is in place.