Concerns have been raised over the availability of Muslim burial space in Dewsbury, after plots at Dewsbury Cemetery fell to critically low levels — but Kirklees Council says there is sufficient capacity for burials across the wider North Kirklees area for years to come.
The issue has attracted growing attention in recent weeks after it emerged that just one plot remained in the designated Muslim section at Dewsbury Cemetery as of last week. The situation has caused deep concern among families and community representatives, with tensions spilling over into the council chamber.
In response, the council has set out its position on burial provision across North Kirklees, stressing that while space is limited in Dewsbury itself, there are thousands of burial plots available elsewhere in the borough, including provision for Muslim burials.
Kirklees Council manages seven cemeteries in North Kirklees: Batley, Cleckheaton (new), Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Liversedge, Earlsheaton and Cleckheaton (old). The Earlsheaton and old Cleckheaton sites are now closed to new burials.
Despite assurances from the council, concerns remain, particularly around the distance families may need to travel at a time of grief. Members of the Community Alliance have argued that relocating burials away from Dewsbury risks being culturally insensitive and emotionally distressing.
Councillor Ammar Anwar previously warned that families could be forced to seek burial sites outside their own communities. “This is deeply unfair and upsetting for families at their most vulnerable,” he said, describing the prospect as “culturally insensitive”.
Figures published by the council on 19 January show the following availability across North Kirklees:
-
Dewsbury Cemetery:
Muslim section – 2 adult graves remaining
Other sections – 170 adult graves -
Heckmondwike (2.8 miles from Dewsbury):
Muslim section – 600 adult graves (130 vaults installed), with potential to expand
Other sections – 170 adult graves, with scope for extension -
Batley (3.1 miles):
Muslim section – 700 adult graves (100 vaults installed)
Other sections – 160 adult graves -
Liversedge (4.2 miles):
Existing cemetery – 625 adult graves
Natural burial ground (all faiths) – 700 adult graves -
Cleckheaton New (5.4 miles):
700 adult graves (no designated Muslim section)
The council has reiterated its commitment to increasing burial provision closer to Dewsbury, with £500,000 allocated since 2023 to identify and develop new multi-faith burial land. However, delays in securing a suitable site have drawn criticism from opposition councillors.
In a statement, the council said it has audited council-owned land and explored community-suggested sites, but none have yet met the “complex criteria” required for a new cemetery. Work to identify a viable site is ongoing, with any future development subject to planning approval and public consultation.
The council also noted that it is not the only body able to provide burial space. It confirmed that the Muslim Burial Council of North Kirklees is expected to make burial land available adjacent to Dewsbury Cemetery in the near future.
For now, the debate continues, balancing borough-wide capacity with the desire of families to lay loved ones to rest within their own community.
