Cllr Zaker Choudhry calls for improvements to be made to Birmingham cemeteries

The first Muslim burial at New Hall Sutton was in March 2019, now nearly 6 years ago.

Whilst I welcome the work in improving transport and the excellent work of the staff in achieving 98% short notice burials. I would like to express my disappoint and frustration at the lack of progress for suitable facilities at Sutton New Hall Cemetery.

This has been raised many times before by me and others and whilst improves work has been done at other locations Yardley, Kings Norton and Lodge Hill, the visitors to New Hall are not afforded the same dignity.

The community has been crying out for a number of years and the Council has made zero progress in this area. During that time our constituents have raised again and again the lack of basic facilities on site. It is an absolute disgrace that when they have paid thousands of pounds for a burial plot for their loved ones, they can't then visit them with BASIC comfort.

The council have made many promises over the years but it has failed to deliver them.

The public urgently need hygienic toilet and wash (including wudhu) facilities at Sutton New Hall.

A multi-faith prayer room is needed for all communities.

Collectively, people have paid millions for burial plots in this cemetery and it is only fair that they are provided the facilities they and other faiths require.

I request an urgent action is needed to explore options.