NEW gates are ready to be installed in Minehead Cemetery’s lychgate as the first restoration project in 100 years nears completion.

Town clerk Ben Parker told councillors: “The lychgate structure is now in a safe and refurbished condition, thanks to the installation of new oak support bases, which have been secured using both traditional methods (dowels) and modern techniques (reinforced rods and chemical adhesives).

“This has been a complex and specialist project, as expected given the age and historic nature of the structure.

“It has not been without challenges, including concerns about timber quality, the significant weight and age of the lychgate canopy, and associated logistical and health and safety considerations.

“These issues have inevitably added time to the project, but each has been carefully managed to ensure the integrity of the work.”

Mr Parker said the ‘additional complexities’ meant some extra costs and the project had come in at £145 over its estimated £11,785 budget, with a further £1,255 now needed.

He said: “The use of additional timber, while necessary to achieve the appropriate quality and durability, has increased the weight of the large gate positioned next to the lychgate.

“It has become clear the existing gate post is not sufficient to bear this additional load, nor are the originally specified hinges suitable.

“To ensure the project is completed to the required standard, both in terms of safety and longevity, quotations have been obtained for the supply and installation of a heavy-duty gate post and appropriate hinges.

“This additional work represents a sensible investment.

“A properly installed, high-quality gate post, with suitable fittings, will ensure the structure should remain fit for purpose for over a century with appropriate maintenance.”

The cemetery opened in 1867 and is a designated Commonwealth War Graves site with 22 casualties from the First and Second World Wars buried there.