TESTS are due to take place to see if a new cemetery can be built in the grounds at Ipsley Church Lane.

The grounds will undergo environmental testing to assess the site’s suitability as a possible future cemetery site.

This testing will be conducted via a mobile drilling rig, by experts Geo-Environmental, and will last two days, starting Thursday, October 20.

Redditch Borough Councillor Debbie Taylor, whose portfolio covers Environmental Services said: “There are no concrete plans to build a cemetery at this site but, as is an issue nationally, land for burials is in short-supply.

“By carrying out these works we will know if this area is suitable or not for future development of this nature."

As part of the project the council and contractors will be involving students and interested community groups in assessing soil samples.

Pupils from Academy Arrow Vale will be on site when the drill first arrives and will help with assessments as part of their studies.

Ward member Councillor Juliet Brunner said: “It is not often we drill eight meters into the ground or have a drill in situ and we are taking the opportunity to share this experience with our communities.”

The Advertiser has previously reported that the Redditch Council operated and managed cemeteries in the town are either full or expected to be full in the coming years.

These include cemeteries in Plymouth Road, Edgioake Lane and Abbey Cemetery.