In a letter to the Echo, Chingford resident Patrick Smith says the plans need to be re-assessed

I share all objections to the current proposal by the council to disrespectfully build a new crematorium in Chingford Mount Cemetery.

Any imposition of a crematorium would impede the existing public rights of way and would lead to increased motor vehicle pollution from high volumes of daily traffic congestion.

To create a crematorium in Chingford Mount Cemetery would be disrespectful to the dead and distressing to the living as well as thousands of bereaved families. It would also impede upon access to the Royal British Legion and Commonwealth World War One/Two graves. Access to processional ceremonial events, acts of remembrance at the consecrated war monument and garden of remembrance would also be affected.

I ask that the council looks again to find a practical solution if it appears a new crematorium is in fact required. It can be possible to use a less congested traffic zone like Sewardstone Road where there is already a simultaneous planning consent and safest planning option available.

No news is bad news 

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts. 

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less. 

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation. 

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit 

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month.  £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.

More information on supporting us monthly or annually 

More Information about donations