A TRANQUIL green space where residents can remember their loved ones is finally being opened this weekend after years of uncertainty.

Tiptree Parish Council has spearheaded the creation of a beautiful memorial garden, which is located behind the United Reformed Church, in Chapel Lane.

The lengthy project, which has taken close to eight years to complete, is designed to provide residents with a place where they can scatter the ashes of family and friends.

The garden features lawns, a shelter where people can take time to reflectand remember, and calming plants.

Tiptree Parish Council clerk Rob Williams said councillors decided to create a commemorative space to give residents somewhere to remember their loved ones.

He said: “The memorial garden has been around eight years in the making, but unfortunately these things take time and it can drag on.

“There has been a shortage of facilities in the area in recent years for people who want to inter their loved ones.

“The cemetery was closed a couple of years ago, for example, and there is no burial ground within Tiptree anymore.

“So, with that shortage of space, we took it upon ourselves to provide more space by opening a memorial garden.”

The garden will be open to members of the public during the day and closed at night to prevent vandalism.

The cost of interment, scattering ashes and putting a memorial plaque in place can often come at a hefty cost.

But Tiptree Parish Council is ensuring the cost to residents is as cheap as possible.

Mr Williams said: “It has been a long time coming, but I am hoping what we are providing is a low-cost way for people to have their loved ones interred.

“It will be a space where people can go to remember their loved ones properly.”

The memorial garden will be officially opened at 11am on Saturday.

To find out more about the memorial garden visit tiptreeparishcouncil.gov.uk.