Work has started to create a new garden of remembrance in Upper Hale.

The space has been designed by the award-winning garden design company Graduate Landscapes on the site of Hale chapels which have stood redundant for many years.

The project, which comes after extensive public consultation, will see the unstable parts of the chapel walls reduced in height.

Key features such as the gable windows and stone mullions have been incorporated into the design.

The footprint of the chapels will be preserved by the laying of repurposed flint setts at ground level.

The garden itself will be planted with trees and plants which feature in the bible which will create a calm but positive ambience.

The trees include an almond tree which symbolises renewal, an olive tree for productivity, a fig tree for life and myrtle for recovery.

Councillor Carole Cockburn, lead member for cemeteries, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to find a new purpose for the chapels and to bring the space back into community use.

“With the help of the Hale Chapels Trust and the local community, we explored all possible options and concluded that creating a garden of remembrance was the most viable.

“I hope that when the garden opens in the summer, people will welcome having a peaceful space to think, reflect and remember loved ones.”

The garden is being built by Landform which created the hilltop garden at RHS Wisley and has won multiple awards at Chelsea and Hampton Court.

Anybody who has any questions about the project should email [email protected] or call 01252 712667.