A CEMETERY in Earley could be in line for an extension after concerns from councillors about it reaching capacity.

Council bosses are hoping to ring-fence a section of the council tax increase in order to save funds to expand the Mays Lane Cemetery grounds, Mays Lane, Earley.

It comes as councillors fear the cemetery could be full within two years.

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Earley Town councillor Clive Jones, leader for the Liberal Democrats, said: "The Mays Lane Cemetery is nearly at capacity and would be full in two years.

"This had been known about for several years. It’s incredible that no financial provision was made to pay for the cemeteries desperately needed extension.

"We have ring-fenced part of the increase in council tax for Earley precept for the extension of the cemetery.

"The council is looking to extend the Muslim area of the cemetery, as at the moment it's only a small space at the side of the grounds."

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Earley Town Council's Liberal Democrats leader Clive Jones said the proposal was approved by the policy and resources committee on January 29.

It was expected to go before the full council for the official sign off yesterday evening, alongside other key finances such as a 12.5 per cent increase in reserves.

Mr Jones added: "With the ring-fenced increase for the cemetery, the increase in council tax for Earley Town council is now £0.15p a week.

"The Lib Dem budget shows that they are running the councils finances responsibly, prudently and properly, a stark contrast to the previous Conservative leadership."

The Lib Dem leader for Earley said the party is also focused on securing funding for the local environment and youth services in the area.

The official sign for funding the cemetery extension was expected to be approved last night.