MUSLIMS in the Leigh area are to have their own burial plot in Howe Bridge Cemetery.

The controversial plan to allow Asian families in the area to be buried locally in the traditional manner of their faith was given the go ahead at the council's recreation and amenities committee.

It means up to 250 Muslims in and around Leigh can now bury their dead following traditional practices -such as facing to the right and being turned South East towards Mecca.

It is also a Muslim custom that their dead should be buried within 24 hours and the body washed immediately prior to internment.

It is only the latter requirement which caused any problems at Monday's meeting at which the committee almost unanimously voted in favour.

Washing facilities will not be provided on the site by the council - at least, not for the moment.

Cllr Brian Jarvis, who has been fighting in the corner of the recently-formed Leigh Muslim Community, said: "I am pleased the committee decided to grant this request for a specially-designated Muslim plot in Howe Bridge Cemetery.

"I have spoken to their representatives and told them the good news and they are delighted.

"The Asian community in Leigh is now a firm part of our society here. They pay income tax and council tax, like the rest of us, and are entitled to be considered the same as anyone else in the community - including the right to be buried according to custom.

"It is regrettable we cannot provide washing facilities on the site at the moment so this will have to be done off site until something is sorted out in the future."

Cllr Jarvis dismissed as speculative the possibility that other ethnic minority groups may now demand special consideration in their burial rights, including their own plot.

He said: 'If other people come forward it will have to be judged on merit, but I don't see that happening in the foreseeable future."

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