ADDITIONAL cemetery space is being actively sought in North Herts after limited capacity has forced a council to put a restriction on burials.

North Herts District Council (NHDC) is asking organisations and parish and town councils to express interests in running new cemetery space in the district.

It follows reports earlier this year that Hitchin, Baldock and Royston cemeteries will reach full capacity within a few years.

The council had agreed a controversial move to restrict full body burials at these sites and allow the interment of ashes only, with only Letchworth GC’s Wilbury Hills cemetery able to accommodate these services in the area.

The plans, however, have now been put on hold until January of next year, in the hope that suitable land will be found.

“Obviously this has been an extremely difficult decision to make, and therefore Cabinet has agreed to delay the implementation to allow time for other interested organisations to investigate the possibility of finding land and running their own cemeteries,” said Cllr Peter Burt, portfolio holder for environment.

“If there is a realistic prospect of new capacity becoming available that provides a longer-term solution then we will re-examine our policy accordingly.

“Any future provision would need to be provided at no cost to the council but we would be happy to provide technical advice for any organisation wishing to develop a business plan.”

The deadline for registered interest is Thursday, June 30. Interested parties should contact Andrew Mills, grounds maintenance manager on 01462 474272 or by email at andrew.mills@north-herts.gov.uk