Cemeteries will reach capacity

Dear Sir,

Congleton is a great little town full of character and life, but when it comes to essential services it often feels like the needs of Congleton residents are squeezed out. When we need a hospital, mental health support or even a regular and reliable train service we are directed towards Crewe or Macclesfield.

Now it would seem that even the voices of the most vulnerable - those close to death and their relatives- will be drowned out should you wish to be buried in your home town of Congleton.

In a little noticed and, I suspect, even less read, Cemeteries Strategy Document, Cheshire East have announced it will focus future cemetery services in Crewe and Macclesfield meaning that within the next 50 years your choice of being buried in Congleton is likely to be denied as existing cemeteries reach capacity and Cheshire East are choosing not to provide alternative provision in Congleton.

Within a generation, this will deny many the chance for a final resting place in their home community and place greater stress on grieving relatives arranging funerals and finding solace in visiting their loved ones graves. It would seem, in death, as well as life, we need to remind Cheshire East of the needs of the most vulnerable!

Of course, there is still the option of cremation rather than burial, but why should such a personal choice at the end of life be influenced by Cheshire East Council's inability to make provision for this most basic of final rites - to Rest in Peace in their home community amongst friends and family. Congleton deserves better.

You can make your own feelings known by emailing cemeteriesstrategy@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Yours faithfully,

Suzy Firkin

Congleton