Loughborough’s new Nanpantan Road Cemetery close to completion

Works to develop a second cemetery in Loughborough are reportedly nearing completion as the Nanpantan Road Cemetery will be ready for the first interments when it is formally opened towards the end of the summer.

Charnwood Borough Council has created the new cemetery in Watermead Lane which includes space for natural burials and memorial gardens.

Work for the site got underway last year and it is being developed in phases with this first phase including space for over 5,000 burials which will last for 100 years on current burial trends.

Around 200 new trees have been planted during this first phase as well as a wide range of plants and shrubs, all of which will combine to provide food and habitat resources for wildlife.

Over 400 metres of new beech hedging has also been planted to provide corridors, foraging and protection for birds, mammals and reptiles.

Additionally, a new multi-use games area has been created for residents nearby as part of the project to allow for a range of sports such as mini tennis, netball, basketball and football.

The Charnwood Borough Council’s open spaces partner, idverde, has carried out the work to develop Nanpantan Road Cemetery.

The council said the current cemetery in Leicester Road is expected to run out of space within the next year.

Jenny Bokor, councillor and lead member for Loughborough, said: “It is great that work to develop a new respectful resting place for the town is almost complete.

“We worked closely with partners to ensure the development of the cemetery had no adverse impacts on wildlife and that the landscaping blended into the natural surroundings.”

She added: “We still have some minor works to complete before the new cemetery opens later this year but I would like to thank local residents, businesses and our local sports clubs for their understanding and cooperation while major works have been carried out.”