Sandbach Cemetery has become the latest to take part in the 'Letter to Heaven' initiative.

A cream coloured post box has been spotted in the cemetery in Sandbach surrounded by gravestones and next to a bench at the top of the cemetery.

And loved ones will soon be urged to post a heartfelt message to express feelings, memories and thoughts about those who have departed.

Several councils around the country have installed similar boxes, which they say will help people to remember birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day and Father's Day cards or Christmas cards.

Letters posted into the memorial post box will be 'treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality' and never opened or read.

But one resident, Steve McDermott, said although the move will be beneficial for some and was similar to the festive Tree of Light some would argue the money would be better used for grave restoration.

He said: "The only real concern was that information in those letters needs to be treated very carefully as it could be used by unscrupulous individuals against loved ones relatives.

"One can imagine how people open their hearts and let it all out in these letters, things that are very personal.

"The other concern with so many graves requiring attention to make them safe, the relatives of those people may well feel the money would be better utilised for grave restoration."

Cheshire East Council is yet to make a statement about the move but a spokesperson told Sandbach Nub News that a statement would be made next week.

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