WELLINGTON is running out of places to bury its dead, with just four plots left at the council-owned cemetery.

Bosses at Taunton Deane Borough Council’s cemeteries and crematorium service are now pushing through a request for £23,000 taxpayers’ money to create 100 new plots.

The cash would be used to dig up a hard standing area at the centre of the burial ground at Rockwell Green Cemetery to free up land for new graves and would ensure there are enough burial slots for the next eight to 10 years.

A report to this evening’s scrutiny committee says: “The income generated from this would be upwards of £100,000 for the sale of the graves, memorial rights and interments.

“There would be an opportunity to provide some cremated remains placement options, which would further enhance choice and generate income.

“Having a further 100 graves will allow a continuation of service while further options for land are identified in the Wellington area.”

Cllr Patrick Berry, Deane House lead councillor for the service, said: “We have plenty of burial places in Taunton, but we’re running out in Wellington.

“It’s very important to continue the service for the people of Wellington. If we don’t make some extra areas we’ll run out by the end of the year.”

The report also contains a request for £26,000 for 120 new graves at St Mary’s Cemetery, off Wellington Road, Taunton, where there are currently no empty plots.

It says: “It would allow for much of the main drive to be removed and relaid to create full new grave spaces.

“The area from the small roundabout leading to the boundary wall adjacent to the hospital will yield 120 new full graves.

“By carrying out these works, it would mean a further choice to the bereaved for grave locations and allow traditional type memorials (full-kerbed memorials) on the plot - this is something we no longer provide but is requested frequently.

“The income generated from this site at present is generated solely from re-opening graves and goes little towards the maintenance of the site. The income from this project would be upward of £120,000.”

At Taunton Deane Crematorium, there are proposals to spend £24,000 on a cremation memorial walkway and cremation plots in a formal garden setting close to the car park, which could generate income of at least £70,000.

A £15,000 children and babies garden would probably only break even, while a natural spinney/copse for interments of ashes and some full burials costing £6,000, along with a 110-metre memorial boardwalk, would generate income of £55,000.

Full council will make the final decision on whether to spend the £94,000, which could bring the council a £266,000 profit.