Bedfordshire Muslim Community Raises £1 Million Toward New Cemetery Project
The planned cemetery, located on former farmland near Green End Road, behind Kempston Cemetery, will be a £3 million initiative.
Once completed, it will provide approximately 4,800 burial plots and be accessible every day of the week. Islamic tradition calls for funerals to be held promptly, often within 24 hours of death, making daily access essential.
Construction is expected to commence in the coming weeks and will include infrastructure such as a car park and access road. The site is projected to open by autumn.
Irreum Iqbal, a community member, expressed that the project offered a sense of comfort, noting that "it gives us peace knowing that we're going to be able to fulfil those final rights for our loved ones at such a difficult time."
She also acknowledged the generosity of the public, saying people had contributed wholeheartedly to the cause.
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Ruksana Iqbal highlighted the sustained effort of the Bedford Women’s Committee, which raised a significant portion of the funds through grassroots activities such as baking and cooking. "We're very grateful," she said.
Abida Bano described the effort as remarkable, attributing its success to collective determination and confirming the committee's intention to continue fundraising.
Parvez Akhtar, a member of the cemetery committee, said that the facility would be a valuable addition to the area. "It's been a huge struggle," he said, adding that reaching this point brought significant relief.
Mohammed Iqbal, chair of the Bedford Muslim Cemetery, emphasized the broader benefit to the local population.
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He explained that the new site would ease pressure on Norse Road Cemetery, where Muslims currently have access to burial services only five days a week. "This helps us as a community to honour that religious obligation," he stated.
Tom Wootton, Conservative Mayor of Bedford Borough, confirmed that all 46 councillors supported the initiative, stating it reflects shared values of "respect, inclusion, and dignity."
Source: Agencies
