More Muslim burial spaces found in borough

Mays Lane cemetery is one of two sites in Wokingham Borough suitable for Muslim burials

More Islamic burial spaces have been identified in a borough after warnings that capacity could soon run out.

Faith leaders and politicians raised concerns last month that spaces available for Muslims in Mays Lane cemetery in Earley and Shinfield cemetery were "almost used up".

The religion requires burials to be undertaken as soon as possible after death and for the graves to be dug so they are perpendicular to the holy city of Mecca.

It is also customary for the graves to be separate from other faiths.

Wokingham Borough Council leader Stephen Conway said the "critical issue" would be met with swift action, and options to increase capacity were being considered.

Now additional spaces have been identified and are available for use, while plans have been put in place for more plots in other areas of the borough.

Nine burial plots have been identified in Shinfield Cemetery. The local authority said plans has been put in place for two more, which could be delivered within a month.

Ten extra spaces have been identified at St Sebastians, where provision could be made available immediately.

The council said it was looking to take more medium and long-term action to ensure future provision of spaces.

Councillor Basit Alvi, who raised the issue to the council leader on last month, said he was "delighted" at the "immediate" response from the authority.