A COUNCILLOR has spoken out against the "completely unacceptable" lack of burial space in Magor and Undy.

Councillor Jessica Crook of the Elms ward said due to the burial space being nearly full, families may have to travel as far as Monmouth to bury their loved ones.

Cllr Crook said: "It is heart wrenching for there to be an upcoming situation where people's loved ones and community members who have lived in our village for all of their lives won't be able to be buried where they want, in our community and close to family.

"Despite myself bringing it to the attention of the Conservative/Lib Dem controlling partnership and officers around two years ago they have only just agreed that something needs to be done.

"This is too little, too late as a burial ground takes years to begin functioning."

Councillor Crook has brought the issue to the community council who are currently looking for a form of provision for the towns but, according to Councillor Crook, such a provision takes years and significant amounts of money.

Councillor Giles Howard, cabinet member with responsibility for cemeteries, said: "Although it is not a statutory service Monmouthshire County Council, town and community councils and the Church have the authority to provide burial spaces whilst many people choose cremation or a green burial.

"Currently, there is sufficient capacity in cemeteries run by the council for many years to come, yet we are mindful that people prefer to see local provision.

"At a recent cabinet meeting, the Strong Communities Select Committee, accepted my request to consider future burial policy and provision.

"The matter is of interest to many councillors, so it is right that we should have a wider debate about how we meet the needs of our communities."