Regent Properties collapse prompts sale of cemetery

A Staffordshire cemetery has been put up for sale following the November collapse of its owner, Regent Properties (Staffordshire) Ltd.

The Garden of Remembrance in Longton is Staffordshire's only privately-run cemetery and was first consecrated in 2005. It was sold to Regent two years ago by its founder and manger, David Shemilt, who has sought to reassure people whose loved ones are buried there that it will have a safe future.

The 2.5 acre site is located next to the local authority-owned Longton Cemetery, and was set up due to the rapidly diminishing available space in public cemeteries. It charges rates that are competitive with those charged by Stoke-on-Trent City Council for burial in Longton Ceremony, and has an annual turnover of £170,000.

Mr Shemilt said he had been retained as manager when Regent bought the cemetery and hoped to remain in place for it s future owners.

"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," he said. "It's obviously a very emotive issue and so that sort of thing is very important."

The cemetery is being marketed by CB Richard Ellis, on behalf of Regent's administrators, Deloitte. It currently has 240 occupied plots, with 4,000 still available. Some 45 full burials took place last year and 10 burials of cremated remains. The site also includes offices, family room, visitor toilets and 46 parking spaces. No asking price has been specified.

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