GRIEVING families can now remember their loved ones in a tranquil spot thanks to the installation of two new cemetery benches.

The benches have been put in place at Blackrod Cemetery and are already popular with local people and those visiting.

They are a joint venture between Blackrod Town Council and the town’s Scarecrow Festival Committee, who have each bought a bench.

Residents visiting the cemetery in Manchester Road have previously had nowhere to sit and Town Mayor Stephen Laycock is pleased to see the benches being used already.

He said: “There was nowhere for people to sit and reflect about lost loved ones and it is great that people now have a place to spend some quiet time.

“I think this shows both what the town council and what the local community can do for Blackrod, resources are limited but the community has to come first.

“Now people will perhaps spend more time in the cemetery thinking about friends and family that have passed away and I am pleased that the benches are there for them.”