The former Bridport cemetery has been closed since 2016 due to drainage issues, and the need for a new cemetery for the area has become a priority for the Dorset Council. 

The 2017-18 Dorset annual report included an action to have a site chosen for the new cemetery by September 30, however the search has thus far been fruitless.

Over the past 18 months five different sites have been investigated and surveyed without any success.

The announcement of the postponement came with the release of the agenda for the August council meeting.

“Council has been progressively conducting site evaluations to establish a new cemetery site at Bridport,” the agenda read.

“Site assessment to date has presented a number of challenges, including land tenure (and associated exploration approvals), geo-technical limitations and flora and fauna considerations.”

Mayor Greg Howard said that the process to find a new grave site at Bridport has been unexpectedly hampered. 

“The works have been postponed because we did the tests and [the proposed sites] weren't suitable because of the geographical and technical attributes of the land,” he said.

“The old cemetery was closed because there were issues with drainage, and the ground would constantly pour water when a new burial would occur.

“We tried some sites at the top of the hill where drainage was more suitable, but unfortunately the rocks [in the ground] made them unsuitable so we'll be looking to find a new site.

"We have to explore some other options now, we have to look at this a bit more closely to find a new site.” 

The council will now look to explore a number of other sites throughout Bridport, however the process may continue to be particularly difficult. 

Mr Howard commented that because of the unique needs of the site that they will have to come up with some innovative solutions for future proposals.

There are no new proposed sites for the cemetery at this point in time.