BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council has entered into an agreement to explore the possibilities of delivering a new cemetery.

As previously reported by The Gazette, the borough council has been in discussions with Dignity funeral service, which runs the Basingstoke Crematorium, about the possibilities of a new cemetery in North Waltham.

At a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, members heard that entering into an agreement with Dignity was the most viable option before them.

Cabinet member for regulatory services and the environment, Councillor Hayley Eachus, said by entering a lease agreement with Dignity it means that the service will be at no added cost to the borough council.

Cllr Eachus said: “This offers the council the control and will help in reducing any likely future spending.

“It means that the council can keep the charges for a funeral service at the same as they currently are.”

One of the issues, which was addressed by Cllr Eachus, was the travel distance to the North Waltham site, adjacent to the crematorium.

However, the cabinet member said that a travel scheme will be part of Dignity’s planning application when it is put forward to develop the new cemetery.

Cabinet members agreed to enter into the agreement with Dignity, who will now seek to deliver the new site.