Council's work makes cemetery ship-shape

FROM THIS ...

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

IMPROVEMENT works have been carried out to bring Chadderton Cemetery back into shipshape condition.

Residents expressed their joy at the transformation at the Middleton Road site after a month-long works programme.

Potholes, flooded graves, litter and lack of maintenance were among the complaints previously reported by The Chronicle.

But one step inside the cemetery now gives residents something to be proud of after Oldham Council gave it a facelift.

John Ryan, who set up the Friends of Chadderton Cemetery, said: "It is very clean and tidy. All the grass has been cut, the roads are re-surfaced and all the litter is gone.

"It's better as you don't have to dodge potholes."

He also praised the new one-way traffic system as "a great idea which works a treat."

The cemetery had been labelled a disgrace after residents found their loved ones' graves flooded.

However, since repairs were carried out in March residents have shared their approval via the Friends of Chadderton Cemetery Facebook page.

Catherine O'Halloran said: "Well done to all involved. If everybody who uses it makes an effort, it's such a beautiful, peaceful place."

Another resident Susan Jones said: "What a difference. Well done to those who are fighting the fight for a better place to lay our loved ones to rest."

Oldham Council previously said they recognised the importance of the cemetery and said they would carry out improvements as soon as possible.

Fida Hussain, cabinet member for environment services, previously said: "We recognise and truly appreciate how important our cemeteries are to residents. They are also very important to us.

"The work required to resolve all the drainage issues we face across the borough is extensive and costly.

"We will take into consideration the reported flooding at Chadderton Cemetery and look to invest in improvements at the earliest opportunity."

Although residents are mostly happy, Mr Ryan said some drains still need cleaning out and two small sections of road need to be completed.

He said: "Once those final pieces are done it will look like a place of rest should look."