A GARDEN of Remembrance at a Dorset crematorium is set to be closed for two weeks as restoration work is carried out.

Work will start in the rose garden at Weymouth Crematorium on September 18, with barriers installed until the project is completed.

Dorset Council said the works will include:

• Safety improvements to the area surface
• Better access for people using mobility aids
• Improved drainage around the area
• Aesthetic re-design of the rose garden
• Developing plant health, and the creation of a central butterfly garden

At certain times during the work, there may be machinery on-site, the council said, but staff would ‘do all we can to keep the noise level to a minimum’.

Leaseholders who have a rose in the area will be contacted directly if their memorial is affected by these renovations, they added.

This work is expected to be finished within two weeks.

Cllr Laura Beddow, the council’s portfolio holder for culture and communities, said: “Obviously there’s never a perfect time to carry out these kinds of works in such a sensitive area, so we’re doing all we can to ensure visitors are given advance notice and aren’t disturbed by these important enhancements.

“Please bear with us whilst this work takes place. We are working hard to ensure that we are continuing to create a beautiful, peaceful sanctuary for all our visitors, and we hope that everyone will be able to enjoy our gardens for many years to come.”

Anyone with concerns about the project, or who would like more information about the renovations should email, call or visit the crematorium office, where staff will be happy to answer questions, the council said.