PLANS to create a Muslim burial ground on a former tip will be unveiled at a council meeting today (Thursday).

Members of the Muslim Burial and Welfare Society hope to buy the London Road running track, in Preston, to provide additional burial space in the area.

County Councillor Vali Ahmed Patel, the society's chairman, explained that, as cremation is not an option for the Muslim religion and their site at Preston Cemetery is almost full, extra burial sites are needed.

He said: "This site would suit us for the next 60 years. We have seen other sites, but they have not been suitable. Some suggested we have a site in Red Scar, but our site needs to be in the town centre because Muslims tend to visit the graves more."

He added: "At this site it is possible we could make the burials cheaper than at Preston Cemetery."

But until the 1960s the running track, which will close in October when activities are moved to the new University of Central Lancashire sports complex in Cottam, was used as a tip for household waste.

And Avenham councillor Ken Cole believes that the quality of soil at the site would be unsuitable for human burials.

He added: "I have every sympathy for the Muslim community but the council is doing all it can to find a new site for their burial ground."

A report to the committee says the burial ground proposal would compromise highway safety and could lead to methane being released if the ground is disturbed.

A council spokesman added: "The exposed nature of this site would make privacy at burials difficult to achieve. There is also inadequate parking."

Other suggestions for the plot include turning it the permanent site for Preston Baseball Club, or putting it up for general sale.

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