The long-awaited new Canvey cemetery will not face extra delays by needing a major consecration ceremony.
Instead, each burial plot will be consecrated separately as each person is laid to rest.
This was revealed by Castle Point Council's director of technical services, Nigel Thomas, when councillors quizzed him over hold-ups in developing the new site, in Northwick Road, Canvey.
The cemetery, being built by Willow Funeral Services in partnership with Castle Point Council, is due to be given the nod by the council planning department later this month.
The subject of consecration was broached by Canvey East councillor Lionel Hart who asked the central services committee if the site needed to be consecrated before it could be used - sparking fears of yet more months of waiting.
However, Mr Thomas said: "That would take place at each burial.
"Whoever was taking the service would consecrate that space at the time. It is not necessary to have the whole area of land consecrated and it could be prejudicial to some faiths being able to be buried on that land at all."
Published Thursday, June 12, 2003
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