Kirklees Together

Kirklees Council Cabinet has today approved £500,000 for development of an additional burial area in North Kirklees.

Burial capacity at Dewsbury Cemetery is currently sufficient for several years. The council’s decision will now give greater certainty to faith communities for the long term.

Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council said:

“The council’s bereavement services are continually developing capacity and services to residents from all faiths and no faith, and we will continue to work with the multi-faith Bereavement Forum on our long-term planning. I met the Forum recently to reassure them about our plans and I look forward to working with them into the future.

“The construction of a new burial ground is needed to ensure the council is able to continue to provide and meet burial needs within the Dewsbury area for its residents and communities for years to come. The additional spaces will bring certainty to all communities that there is provision for loved ones, and a facility that respects cultural and religious values and requirements.”

Two sites have been identified as potentially suitable, with a timeline proposed on development. Further investigation can now take place to ultimately determine suitability.

Councillor Cathy Scott, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Bereavement Services, said:

“Throughout this process the council has worked with the multi-faith Bereavement Forum and will continue to do so now this plan has been approved by this cabinet.  We are working together to establish medium term provision whilst together we look towards the long term.”

“The provision of any additional burial capacity, irrespective of its size, will bring some certainty to communities and provide further reassurance. A cemetery is viewed as an essential requirement in many localities, with communities looking to the council to provide such facilities. It is therefore important to provide a good quality environment and service to those choosing to use this service.  The approved funding demonstrates the council’s commitment to future burial provision, here in Dewsbury and across the whole of Kirklees.”

Current timeframes would see the additional burial space open in 2025.