WORK by Powys County Council to extend Presteigne Cemetery has been completed, providing enough space at the facility for the next 100 years.

The Presteigne work, which took place on land adjacent to the existing cemetery, required the removal of a hedge and was started in March to avoid this year’s nesting season.

As well as additional burial capacity the work has provided 20 additional car parking spaces as well as improved access to the site.

Cabinet member for regulatory services, Councillor Beverley Baynham, said: “I am delighted that this important cemetery extension scheme has been completed, it truly is a fantastic piece of work, that has made a dramatic improvement.

“It is also an excellent example of co-operation between the county council and Presteigne and Norton Town Council, who have worked together to enable this project to be completed.

“The scheme is providing much needed additional capacity, enough for 100 years.”

Powys County Council bought the land adjacent to the cemetery off Presteigne and Norton Town Council for £47,000 in 2018 – when it was reported that the cemetery only had enough burial spaces for another seven years.

The expansion has reportedly cost £120,000 but the county council said it would cut demand on other nearby council cemeteries.