A RESTORATION project to improve an old graveyard in Oakworth has now begun.

The new owner of Dockroyd Lane Cemetery, Andrew Heaton, said a large quantity of building waste has been cleared from the site.

He said: “We’ve removed around 100 bags of building waste from near the Chapel Lane entrance to the cemetery.

“These had been dumped there several years ago and the site was made subject to a Enforcement Order in 2014 giving the previous owner one month to clear the mess. The Order stated that “The use of the land for the storage of building waste, rubble and soil, detracts from the appearance of the land and the wider surrounding area and as such is significantly detrimental to the visual amenity of the immediate area and the wider Oakworth Conservation Area.”

New owner Andrew Heaton had to take on this Enforcement Order or face prosecution as part of the terms agreed in the purchase of the graveyard. Within two weeks of finalizing the deal this vital first stage of the Restoration Project has been completed.

For further updates on the project and information on how you can help please visit www.heatonfamilyonline.co.uk