Cheshire East Council has set out plans for improving and investing in its cemeteries, including Sandbach cemetery.  

The council's environment and communities committee has approved a cemeteries design guide, which sets the standards for the appearance and services of the 10 cemeteries managed by the council.  

The design guide will be used to develop site management plans for each cemetery, as well as to steer investment priorities, including site expansions.  

Over the next two years, a total of almost £940,000 will be invested in the council's cemeteries. This has been made possible through an environmental charge collected as part of the fees and charges for burial and cremation services. 

Sandbach Cemetery is to be extended as part of nearly £940,000 to be spent on cemetery provision across the borough. (Photo: Nub News)

Investment will include extending Sandbach cemetery, carrying out drainage works in Congleton cemetery and Meadow Brook Cemetery in Crewe, and road surface repairs at Crewe. 

There will also be investment made at Crewe and Macclesfield crematoriums, including to the customer areas.  

Councillor Liz Braithwaite, vice chair of Cheshire East Council's environment and communities committee, said: "Cemeteries are deeply personal and reflective places, and the adoption of this design guide demonstrates our commitment to maintaining and investing in our sites. 

"We want to ensure they remain welcoming places to visit and that the services they offer can meet the needs of those who engage with our bereavement teams." 

Councillor Braithwaite also added: "Investments have been prioritised based on factors including health and safety, accessibility and conserving the heritage features of the sites. 

"In the context of the council's ongoing financial challenges, we cannot afford to do everything at once, and so the improvements we will be making have been broken down into manageable programmes of work over the next two years." 

The design guide follows the adoption of the council's cemeteries Strategy in February 2024. 

Sandbach Nub News reported here how Sandbach Cemetery would be extended after Cheshire East admitted its 2018 review of provision across the borough was 'flawed'.

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