Garden of remembrance plan for Aldridge church

Aldridge Parish Church, based on The Green, has put forward a plan to Walsall Council planners to create the facility, along with a gated entrance in the 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 Crematorium for their nearest place.

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

Dr Janet Lee, church warden, Aldridge Parish Church, 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.

“The idea of a Garden of remembrance was brought to the Parochial Church Council, and it was agreed that something similar to the one at St John the Evangelist church, Walmley, in the Diocese of Birmingham.

“It would be appropriate for Aldridge Parish Church. Lichfield Diocese has already granted a faculty for the proposal.

“The plan is to develop a section of the churchyard which is currently used very little and is often overgrown and create a new area of grass and 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.

“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 would be ‘on street’ nearby or the free car park next to Cooper and Jordan School which is available at all times and only one to two minutes’ walk from the proposed gate.”