Melksham cemetery could run out of space within six months

Melksham’s cemetery could run out of new burial space within six months, after Wiltshire Council was accused of withdrawing expansion plans. 

Local families may soon need to consider alternatives, such as cemeteries in nearby towns, as Melksham’s cemetery located on land along the A350 nears full capacity. It was previously expected to have space until 2027, but Wiltshire Council has recently revised its estimate to predict new burial plots could run out within six months. Space for ashes and Muslim burials is expected to last until around 2027.

Wiltshire Councillor Phil Alford says the situation has been made worse by what he describes as a sudden reversal of earlier assurances about cemetery provision.

He said, “In June 2024 we were told that there was a strip of land for an expansion and we had until June 2027 to plan ahead. Now we have been told by the new Lib Dem administration that this has been withdrawn and in six months the cemetery will be closed to new burials.

“This unplanned, last-minute U-turn leaves residents wanting to have loved ones buried locally with very few options and leaves Melksham and Melksham Without parish councils no time to help find an alternative. They have quietly slashed a vital service to grieving families without any consultation; it’s an appalling way to treat Melksham and Melksham Without residents and shows a complete lack of respect for our two local councils.”

Wiltshire Council has said the six-month estimate comes from its most recent review of cemetery provision.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Streetscene, said, “To ensure fairness across Wiltshire, we harmonised the cemetery services that fall under our direct management. However, most cemeteries in the county are operated by local town or parish councils.

“As such, any proposal to extend Melksham Cemetery would require a change in the council’s current position, alongside planning permission and infrastructure improvements – all of which would need additional funding.

“We initially projected that the cemetery would reach capacity by 2027, but due to the current rate of full burials, it is now expected to be full by 2026.

“We have engaged with the local community to advise them that the cemetery is nearing capacity to allow them to plan for a replacement or make alternative arrangements.

“Our position on this matter remains unchanged, and this is not new. For several years, we have been clear that Melksham Cemetery has been nearing its capacity, and we have consistently advised that the community should begin making alternative arrangements.”

Melksham News understands that the community engagement refers to recent correspondence to Melksham Town Council and Melksham Without Parish Council regarding the council’s revised estimate.

While most cemeteries in the county are now managed by town and parish councils, Wiltshire Council currently still manages Melksham Cemetery. In 2023, the council said that when cemeteries reach capacity, it will not provide additional space but will offer local councils the opportunity to take them on.

A working group was set up in July with members from Melksham Town Council and Melksham Without Parish Council to explore options.