Garden of remembrance plan for church

Aldridge Parish Church say ashes could be interred in the garden alongside a short ceremony

A garden of remembrance could be created at a church in Walsall to offer local people a place to have their loved ones' ashes scattered.

Aldridge Parish Church, based on The Green, has put forward a plan to create the facility along with a gated entrance in an existing boundary wall, on underused land on the grounds.

The church said there was a lack of such a facility in the area, with people having to travel to Streetly about 1.5 miles away.

Walsall Council planning officers are expected to make a decision on the scheme next month.

In documents accompanying the planning application, church warden Dr Janet Lee said: "The opportunity for relatives to have their loved ones’ remains buried locally has been lost since 1987 when the cemeteries around the church and further down The Green were closed.

"Streetly Crematorium is now the nearest place for burials."

She said the plan was to develop a section of the churchyard which is often overgrown to create a new area of grass along with a variety of native species of plants.

"The Garden of Remembrance would be for the interment of ashes under the grassed area in a short ceremony led by an officer of the church," she added.

"Access would be through a new opening in the existing boundary wall for a gate and pathway suitable for wheelchair users, including enough space for a wheelchair to turn around easily.

"A bench would be in place for anyone to take some time to sit and reflect."

Parking for vehicles would be on the street nearby, or at a free car park which is about 1-2 minutes' walk away.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.