RESIDENTS will no longer be able to bury their loved ones at Christchurch Cemetery, unless more space can be found.

A Christchurch councillor and resident have expressed their “shock” at the lack of notice given by BCP Council regarding the suspension of all burial based admissions to the site in Jumpers Road.

This decision was made without a formal announcement to residents, one of whom said there was “no inkling” such a decision would be made.

Ward councillors have maintained the suspension is “only temporary” until more space can be found.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, only found out about the decision after talking to a contact at the cemetery.

They said: “Under normal circumstances they should give notice to the public. Instead, they did it immediately and very abruptly.

“You expect to be buried in the town you live in and the people of Christchurch are entitled to be buried in their town.

“If you visit the space, you’ll see there are spaces that can be used. They can’t just stop cemetery burials on the spur of the moment. I think there’s more to it than meets the eye.”

Bournemouth Echo: Christchurch CemeteryChristchurch Cemetery

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “Historical low availability levels of new grave spaces at Christchurch Cemetery, along with our commitment to pre-purchased plots, means we are currently unable to accept requests for any new grave purchases for this site.

“To ensure we have exhausted all available space, from Monday December 13 a specialist contractor will undertake a full topographic and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey for the whole cemetery. Following this work, we will then know whether any further plots can be made available.

“For clarity, Christchurch Cemetery remains open for full burials in previously pre-purchased graves, including the burial of cremated remains and children’s burials.

“We understand that this is a popular and much-loved burial site in Christchurch and although we will be unable to offer new full coffin burial plots at this cemetery in the immediate future, there are seven alternative cemeteries in the BCP area which do have availability.”

Christchurch Commons ward councillor’s Vanessa Ricketts and Margaret Phipps both stressed the closure was “temporary”, with Cllr Phipps saying she “hoped” further space would be found. She also said the survey would look at “things like footpaths” which could be transformed into grave space.

However, ward councillor for Mudeford, Stanpit and West Highcliffe Lesley Dedman was angered by the lack of communication with residents. She said: “If this goes ahead, it will be another nail in Christchurch’s coffin.

“There has been no referral to our residents and, as a councillor, I have not seen the reasons behind the decision so I cannot comment on whether there is still space for new burials.

“Sadly, the way the closure is being handled does foster mistrust and residents certainly have reason to question this situation.”