Knowsley Council is currently consulting on proposals to extend Knowsley Cemetery on Fox’s Bank Lane into part of the adjacent Whiston Woods site.
The proposals would create the additional capacity needed over the next 100 years to allow residents of Knowsley and neighbouring areas to lay their loved ones to rest in the local area.
The plans and consultation survey are available to view at www.knowsley.gov.uk/consultations as well as at a number of drop-in events taking place on:-
Thursday 8 June
6pm until 9pm
St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy, Cumber Lane, Whiston, L35 2XG
Sunday 11 June
6pm until 8pm
Stadt Moers Environment Centre, Pottery Lane, Whiston, L35 3RG
Tuesday 13 June
11am until 1pm
Bryer Road Community Centre, Prescot, L35 5DW
Tuesday 20th June
11am until 1pm
Rainhill Library, View Road, Rainhill, L35 0LE
Saturday 24 June
11am until 1pm
Stadt Moers Environment Centre, Pottery Lane, Whiston, L35 3RG
Wednesday 28 June
6pm until 9pm
St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy, Cumber Lane, Whiston, L35 2XG
The Council is proposing to purchase Whiston Woods from Forestry England and would then use approximately 4.4 hectares of the 20.14 hectare site (less than a quarter) as an extension to the current Knowsley Cemetery.
The remainder of the Whiston Woods site would be kept for use as community woodland.
The Council would invest in extensive improvements to the existing network of pathways, seating areas, and wider landscape habitats.
The whole site would remain freely accessible to the public.
The current Fox’s Bank Cemetery (next to Whiston Woods) is nearing full capacity – it is expected to be full within the next three years.
It is anticipated that the Cemetery extension will include a mix of traditional burial plots and alternative options, such as woodland burials and the scattering of cremated remains. The proposal would create 10,000 plots, along with access improvements and parking facilities.
The plans also include working with local residents and Knowsley Cemetery users to achieve Green Flag status for the site and put in place management arrangements to achieve other designations, such Local Wildlife Site status.
The closing date for comments is 11pm on Friday 7 July 2023.
Further information about Whiston Woods can also be found here.