Concern over borough's lack of Muslim burial space

Faith leaders, councillors and an MP have warned that capacity for Islamic burials has almost run out in a borough of Berkshire.

Two cemeteries in Wokingham - in Earley and Shinfield - have limited space remaining.

This has prompted concerns that residents may have to pay more to have their loved-ones laid to rest in other parts of the county.

Wokingham Borough Council's leader said he recognised this was a "critical issue" and options to increase capacity were being considered.

The religion requires burials to be undertaken as soon as possible after death and for the graves to be dug so they are perpendicular to the holy city of Mecca.

It is also customary for the graves to be separate from other faiths.

The issue was raised by councillors Basit Alvi and Majid Nagra to MP for Earley and Woodley Yuan Yang.

Ms Yang, whose constituency's Muslim residents make up about 10% of the population, said it was a "deeply pressing and troubling issue".

Following a meeting with the councillors and faith leaders at the weekend, Ms Yang wrote to Earley Town Council, which runs the Mays Lane cemetery, and Wokingham Borough Council, which manages the site at Shinfield.

"Dignity in death is a fundamental human need for us all, regardless of religion or place of residence," she wrote.

"I am mindful of the worry this problem adds for those residents who are already dealing with the stress of family illness or bereavement."

Wokingham Borough Council leader Stephen Conway said increasing capacity at Shinfield or creating a new site were both options.

But he said he could not say "how quickly we will be able to do this".

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