IT HAS been a long road to success, but Whitefield Hebrew Congregation can finally celebrate the opening of a new access route to their cemetery.

Ivan Lewis MP and the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Wilf Davison were special guests at the launch on Sunday (May 2) to cut the ribbon and unveil a plaque.

The congregation had long complained to Bury Council about an unadopted road leading to Philips Park Cemetery.

They said funeral processions were becoming undignified as they travelled along Philips Park Road West because of the pot holes and deep ruts in the road.

After months of discussion it was finally agreed in 2002 that, with a £25,000 contribution from Whitefield Hebrew Congregation, the council would "make up" the road.

The official opening of the road, which leads to the Eliot Levy Ohel prayer room at the cemetery, involved an address by Rabbi Jonathan Guttentag and prayers.