Wymondham cemetery 'running out of space'

People will no longer be able to buy plots at a south Norfolk cemetery in advance because it is running out of space. The difficulty in accessing pre-purchased plots that have become hemmed in by surrounding graves, was also a factor taken into account by Wymondham town councillors in making the decision.

People will no longer be able to buy plots at a south Norfolk cemetery in advance because it is running out of space.

The difficulty in accessing pre-purchased plots that have become hemmed in by surrounding graves, was also a factor taken into account by Wymondham town councillors in making the decision.

Town clerk Trevor Gurney said: 'The town council has decided that it is not going to sell plots in the cemetery in advance. A number of plots have been sold to date and then for some reason they remain unused. Given we are extremely short of land in the cemetery we don't want to increase the number.

'The second reason is that, under health and safety, a mechanical digger has to be used for digging double (depth) graves. If pre-purchased plots have graves all the way round it makes it very difficult.'

Mr Gurney said the situation at Wymondham is not unique, and other councils have been forced to take the same step.

He added: 'We have no choice. The cemetery may not be at capacity for 10 or 12 years, but if we had about 50 people come in and want to buy plots in advance it could shorten the lifespan by three years.'

The council is actively looking for alternative sites, and Mr Gurney urged local landowners with land available to get in touch. He can be contacted at the town council offices in Middleton Street, on 01953 603302.