Wisbech Society takes ownership of town cemetery with plans in place for its renovation

Wisbech General Cemetery (Image: Archant)

The Wisbech Society has acquired the North End site and plans to raise funds for a new, more imposing entrance to the cemetery from North End, in front of the chapel.

There will be new gates and railways, a pathway and planting.

The new entrance will be known as Lambert’s Walk, in tribute to Basil Lambert, a long-standing member of the society and the penultimate person to be buried in the cemetery, who gave the society vast sums for the preservation of the town.

David Crouch, Wisbech Society treasurer and honorary project manager, said: “It is pleasing that the society is again able through the generosity of its members and supporters to make a major contribution to an important but sometimes overlooked area of Wisbech.

“We are seeking the continuing support of interested people and organisations, including descendants of those buried in this cemetery.”

The cemetery was established in 1836 and closed in 1972.

Wisbech Society chairman Ray Johnson said buying the land and building a new entrace was the first phase of a more ambitious project.

He said: “The society intends, as phase two of the project, to save the derelict chapel and create a sustainable resource for the benefit of the wider community.”

Fenland District Councillor Simon King said: “Fenland District Council, as owner of the cemetery grounds, is most supportive of Wisbech Society’s plans and is actively seeking ways to enable it to implement its plans for the refurbishment and use of the chapel.”