THE chapel at Warrington Cemetery has reopened following a major refurb - that also saw help given by a vital community group.

The grade II listed building now has energy efficient lighting and heating and new carpets, while the chapel is available for funeral services as well as meetings for friends groups.

And staff from Warrington Borough Council’s bereavements services have worked with staff from Long Lane Garden Centre, as part of the Walton Lea Partnership, to carry out some of the gardening work in the cemetery.

Clr David Keane, executive board member for environment and public protection said: “Colleagues who work at the cemetery are very proud to provide a place where relatives and friends can visit their loved ones in peaceful and pleasant surroundings.

“Not only do they deliver larger projects such as the refurbishment of the chapel but they also make small but important touches such as introducing wildflower areas and rose beds, which all contribute to the quality of the turf and garden areas.

“The partnership working that is clearly evident here is also a good model for how we can work well with community groups and reach our goals together.”

Kath Jones, project coordinator at Long Lane Garden Centre, added: “It’s been great for us because we have been able to learn more about the cemetery and also talk more about bereavement, which has really helped our beneficiaries.

“It is also important for us as a charity to get out and about and promote what we do as this helps us to break down barriers about learning disabilities.”

Other improvements have included repainting the walls and gate making the main entrance more welcoming.