MUSLIMS living in Leigh and Hindley want somewhere to bury their dead.

They want cemetery space at the Leigh-end of the borough so they can be laid to rest in the traditional Muslim manner.

And one of their leaders, Railway Road restaurant owner Mohammed Anwar who represents 35 families and about 100 individuals, said:"We have made this country our home and our children will settle here. In the past families have flown bodies to their home land for burial.

"I realised how much we needed somewhere when a grandchild died in hospital."

Cemetery authorities recognise many first generation Muslims prefer to take the body of a deceased person to their country of origin for interment.

But they say as the Muslim community establishes itself, the need for special facilities increases.

Their religion dictates relatives and friends see the face of the dead person immediately before burial and during the funeral prayer - and burial authorities think caskets with windows may be suitable. Only one body per grave is permitted and Islamic faith forbids exhumation.

Other preferences are on site facilities for washing the body immediately before burial.

Graves must be positioned so the face of the deceased is towards Mecca.

Since Muslim burials usually take place within 24 hours of death cemetery authorities in areas where there is a large Muslim community have suggested Muslims might be employed so as to cover weekend requirements.

A Muslim deputation (pictured with Cllr Brian Jarvis, left) called at Leigh Town Hall urging the Council to provide facilities for Muslim burials in the Leigh area.

And Cllr Jarvis has agreed to present their case to the authority.

He said:"Everyone has the right to be buried according to their religious convictions. But any question of finance on this matter has to be justified."

Muslims earlier met Cllr Jarvis and cemeteries manager Mr Tony Bassett to discuss the matter.

Mr Bassett explained how there was a Muslim burial ground within Gidlow cemetery at Wigan.

Cemeteries at Atherton and Tyldesley are full but it may be possible to provide ground at Howe Bridge and Leigh cemeteries.

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