Fareham council to boost plots in bid to ease 'body crisis'

Holly Hill Cemetery in Sarisbury currently serves more than 40 per cent of the borough of Fareham’s total population of 113,000 including Locks Heath, Swanwick, Park Gate, and Whiteley.

Residents were becoming increasingly concerned about the number of burial plots and that the current cemetery offering was falling short of demand, prompting councillors to have a rethink.

Under the plans, the existing cemetery extended onto land to the southwest, creating space for 377 new burial plots and 240 cremated remains at a total cost of £300,000, funded by Fareham Borough Council.

Councillor Sean Woodward, the leader of Fareham Borough Council and who is also the local councillor for Sarisbury said the “demands need to be sufficient as the plots were a popular location for burials”.

He added: “It should be fair for people to be able to have their loved ones buried close so that they can visit their graves easily.

“We need to ensure adequate provision of burial plots in the Western Wards while balancing environmental needs.

“We know exactly how many burials are made each year so we should have space for another 30 years.

“I was contacted by older residents concerned about the lack of cemetery space in the area. I am pleased that we now have a solution for their concerns.”

The cemetery, located on Barnes Lane in Sarisbury Green has been at capacity for decades forcing many to turn to other locations as far as Crofton at the east of the borough to bury their loved ones.

Residents have not objected to the plans but some have branded the scheme as a waste of taxpayers’ money.

Sean Wild, of nearby Locks Heath, said the new burial plots still won’t save the ‘body crisis’. He said: “I believe that the scheme won’t fully relieve the problem. The council needs to think more carefully.

“I know many have been forced to drive nearly 10 miles just to visit a loved one’s grave which isn’t acceptable.”