Memorial garden 'impressive' post restoration

An overgrown memorial garden used for "nefarious activities" has become unrecognisable following restoration, a councillor says.

The Garden of Remembrance at Bedlington's West Lea Cemetery in Northumberland had fallen into disrepair, with overgrown hedging, broken paving and a burned-out bin.

It has now been transformed with a new entrance arch, resurfacing, seating and a bust of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Local councillor Malcolm Robinson said: "It is now very impressive, it is the best remembrance garden in the county, definitely."

Robinson, who represents Bedlington West, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It was a dark and dingy place which was really just used for nefarious activities...overgrown and used as a drug den.

"The work has really transformed the Garden of Remembrance.

"When the sun sets, the new archway turns golden – it's a bit of magic, it's fantastic when you see it.

"It shows that we can make things exceptional if we're given the opportunity."

The project, funded jointly by Northumberland County Council, the councillor, and with contributions from the Friends of West Lea Cemetery, is part of the county-wide Queen Elizabeth II memorial scheme.

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