Bishop Auckland Cemetery is looking its best after improvement works

Environmental works have left a County Durham Cemetery cleaner, greener and more welcoming for visitors.

Durham County Council has made a number of improvements to Bishop Auckland Town Cemetery, including cleaning the pillars and walls which make up the entrance to the cemetery, improving drainage in problem areas and planting colourful flower displays.

Cllr Sam Zair, ward member for Bishop Auckland, contributed £1,725 towards the work from his Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership Neighbourhood Budget.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “The environmental improvements seek to support an overall quality bereavement service to families at a difficult time.”

Tony Johnston, Durham County Council bereavement co-ordinator, said: “The work on the cemetery pillars and the flower planters has certainly made a difference to the entrance, making it a more attractive and welcoming place for people who visit the site..

“In addition, the drainage work has resulted in a drier cemetery with less mud, making it a better and safer area for bereaved families to attend their loved one’s resting place.”