MONMOUTH cemetery is closed until at least June, revealed Monmouthshire County Council this week.

MCC's leader, councillor Peter Fox said it was a combination of exhausted space and the condition of the ground.

He said, "Due to a combination almost exhausted space for new graves and the prevailing condition of the ground at Monmouth Cemetery, we are very sorry that the cemetery is now closed for opening any new graves. 

"We will review the situation in June, but any new graves available then will still be very limited."

The cemetery will still be accepting burials in reserved plots and in reopened graves, and for cremated remains.

Councillor Fox added, "We realise that this will be distressing news for Monmouth residents, and so officers are putting together a list of alternative sites for burials and the appropriate contact details. This list does not pretend to be totally inclusive of every option, and your local funeral director or your local vicar if appropriate will be able to give you more up to date information."

MCC officers say they have been aware of the problems of reduced cemetery space and are making efforts to find alternative sites for use in Monmouth.