Fresh vandalism fears for Jewish cemetery (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Fresh vandalism fears for Jewish cemetery

8:46am Friday 10th August 2007

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CONCERNED neighbours of a Prestwich graveyard fear there could be a repeat of vandalism at a Jewish cemetery after a wall was knocked down.

Members of the Jewish community and Prestwich Heritage Society have expressed concern after builders working on nearby flats demolished a wall that sealed off an area of land off Bury New Road that is believed to be Greater Manchester's second oldest cemetery.

They contacted St Mary's ward councillor Richard Baum with a concern that, if the cemetery was left exposed, vandals could be attracted to it. In June 2005, yobs desecrated almost 100 graves at Rainsough Jewish Cemetery.

Records show the Bury New Road cemetery was opened in 1841 and graves were being dug there until the early 20th century. It became a place that was rarely visited and so wasclosed to the public. A spokesman for the heritage society said he remains hopeful that the constructors will replace the wall once work has progressed.

"This site is of particular historical importance to Prestwich and contains the graves of some people from the first generation of the Jewish community in the area. We are hoping that access is sealed off as soon as possible. We definitely do not want a repeat of 2005," he said.

Councillor Baum said he has asked Bury Council officers to restore the wall, but he has so far had no firm assurances.

He added: "It appears that this cemetery has been hidden for many years, but people are concerned that it is now exposed and could becomes a target for vandals.

"All of the graves are very old to the point that immediate relatives will most likely no longer be alive, but it is vital that the site is preserved because of its historical importance.

"I am trying to get the council to act on it so the wall can be put up again. In the meantime, we just have to hope that people respect the site."

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