Restoration work to begin within Gosport cemetery

By Connor Steel

GOSPORT BOROUGH COUNCIL have confirmed that restoration work will start from next week to improve the current cremation garden based within Anns Hill Cemetery; this project set to replace the uneven grass surface with decorative stone chippings to improve the appearance of this remembrance spot and making it easier to maintain in the long term.

The work will commence from June 24 and is expected to be concluded within a period of fifteen working days; but this is dependent on weather and all other unforeseen circumstances. Access is due to be highly restricted to the cremation garden across the time period to ensure that the public and workers are kept safe as the restoration work is completed.

All grave owners have been contacted to advise them about the work which is set to be highly delicate as it will involve the lifting and safe storage of memorials to allow resurfacing to take place. These memorials will also be professionally reinstalled once the stage is done and reassurance has been given that no disturbance to cremated remains will occur.

Councillors have furthermore employed an experienced ‘memorial mason’ to work alongside the cemetery office and to carry out the lifting / reinstallation of memorial stones. Council Leader, Cllr Peter Chegwyn, stated that they have “been allocated funding” and “Great care will be taken to create a fitting place for people to come and remember loved ones.”

Readers can explore the information relating to Anns Hill Cemetery by clicking on this link; which includes a map of plot locations across the big site, details for visitors and options for research to be carried out on a specific person or grave.

PICTURED: Restoration will start on June 24 to replace grass with decorative stone chippings in the cremation garden.