Whiston Woods to Become Massive Cemetery Despite Fierce Backlash

In a controversial move, Knowsley Council has approved plans to transform the beloved Whiston Woods into a sprawling cemetery. The decision comes despite fierce backlash from the local community, with over 1,500 objections filed against the development.

The council's proposal involves purchasing a portion of the Whiston Woods and gradually creating around 5,500 cemetery plots over the next 100 years. The first phase alone is set to provide approximately 1,300 burial plots and 1,000 cremation plots, which the council claims will meet the demand for the next 30 years.

However, the campaign group Save Whiston Woods has vehemently opposed the plans, arguing that the development will cause "irreversible harm" to the protected greenbelt land. They contend that the loss of the woods' openness will be a devastating blow that will last for generations.

Despite these concerns, the council maintains that the cemetery can be appropriately developed on the greenbelt while preserving its openness. Knowsley councillor Caroline Holmes stated that the aim is to create a "special place" for residents to lay their loved ones to rest, while also enhancing the wider site for public enjoyment.

The battle over the future of Whiston Woods continues, with the local community determined to protect this cherished natural space from being transformed into a vast cemetery.