RELATIVES are being reassured that the future of Staffordshire's only privately-run cemetery is secure – despite it being put up for sale.
Longton's Garden of Remembrance is being sold off by administrators Deloitte following the collapse of owners Regent Properties (Staffordshire) Limited last November.
But founder and manager David Shemilt, who is hoping to buy back the cemetery after selling it to Regent Properties two years ago, says existing clients need not worry.
He has told them that whoever ends up taking over the 2.5 acre site, the cemetery will have a safe future.
Mr Shemilt opened the garden of remembrance, which is next to Longton Cemetery, in Spring Garden Road, in 2005.
It remains one of only a handful of private cemeteries in the country, although Mr Shemilt believes they could become more common as many public cemeteries reach capacity.
He said: "The cemetery was my idea, about six years ago. Longton Cemetery, which is right next door to us, through a line of trees, was full, and so I decided to build a private cemetery, on the old Doulton site.
"I'm never going to make a fortune from it, but I thought it would be something for myself and my family for the next 100 years. My family are involved in the running of the cemetery at the moment.
"I sold the cemetery to a property company two years ago, but they wanted to keep me on to run the place. I had the experience, and I knew the people. It's obviously a very emotive issue and so that sort of thing is very important."
Around 240 plots at the cemetery are currently occupied, with 4,000 still available.
The garden of remembrance charges between �800 and �1,200 for right of burial and between �500 and �800 for interment, which is similar to the fees charged by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
According to commercial property adviser CB Richard Ellis, which is selling the cemetery on behalf of Deloitte, the business had an average turnover of �170,000 per annum between 2007 and 2010.
In a letter to potential buyers, CBRE states: "Constructed in 2004/2005, this modern facility extends in total to 2.5 acres. The actual cemetery extends to approximately two acres including roadways and pathways.
"To date we understand that approximately 240 plots are currently occupied."
Last year, 45 full burials and 10 burials of cremated remains took place.
The site also includes offices, family room, visitor toilets and 46 parking spaces. No asking price is stated for the cemetery.
The deadline for bids is today, with a decision on the successful bidder to be announced next month.
Mr Shemilt said the interests of clients would be looked after.
He added: "I have been contacted by relatives who have heard rumours about the garden of remembrance and it being put up for sale.
"I've reassured them that it will stay a cemetery, and it always will be a cemetery."
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