Parts of the Methven Cemetery will be closed for two weeks from Monday 4 April as contractors working for the Ashburton District Council undertake groundworks for a new driveway in the cemetery.

An area on the eastern side of the cemetery has been under development since high winds felled and damaged trees last September. Several rows of trees were subsequently removed and a development plan was adopted by the Methven Community Board and ratified by the Council to develop and extend the cemetery.

These developments include a new driveway into the cemetery, reinstatement of the walking track, additional native plantings, connection to the domain and A&P Showgrounds with additional tracks, and more burial space.

Several sequois giganteum (giant redwood or Wellingtonia) trees will be planted on the eastern boundary to replace the Douglas firs that were lost. The trees are resilient to wind and evergreen, with a long-term lifespan in the many hundreds of years. Ultimately they will still allow for views and vistas to the east.

Contractors working there from Monday will be raking roots from the trees that were previously felled and forming the new road. Council also plans to sow grass at this time, before winter.

This is the start of what will be ongoing development to this section of the cemetery site and the development plans will progress as funding allows.

People visiting the cemetery are asked to take care and abide by closure signs as the work progresses over the next two weeks. Contractors will stop if funerals are organised.