THE finishing touches have been made to a plan to make more than £1.5m worth of improvements to an historic cemetery.

Following public consultation, and in accordance with consultants' advice, a blueprint has been drawn up for Middlesbrough's Linthorpe Cemetery.

The cemetery was first used as a Quaker burial ground from 1668.

Having existed in its present form since 1869, it is the town's oldest cemetery, containing the graves of 19th Century mayors, clerics and philanthropists, as well as victims of epidemics.

It is also Middlesbrough's largest area of mature woodland, covering 52 acres.

Plans to restore the cemetery were first discussed in 1999 in response to fewer burials, insufficient investment and vandalism.

Middlesbrough Borough Council commissioned a study by consultants, who were asked to look at its heritage, and environmental importance.

Their findings, along with the results of residents' surveys, have been used to compile the final plan.

At a meeting of the council's cabinet tomorrow, councillors will be asked to approve a Lottery bid for £1,140,000. The remaining £589,000 of the total £1,729,000 estimated cost of the project would come from local groups, including the council and the Friends of Linthorpe Cemetery.

It is proposed to refurbish the cemetery lodge buildings, and construct a £170,000 ancillary building with public toilets and an educational resource centre.

The former mortuary chapel would be restored to a museum exhibition centre, and links would be forged with the new woodland burial area, off Burlam Road.

Also planned are extra grave spaces and a baby memorial to the thousands of infants buried in unmarked graves.

Management of the cemetery would be assumed by a council workforce, helped by a community advisory board.

In a report to the cabinet, Philip Harper, head of public protection and planning, says: "Local people value the cemetery as an area of public space, and the cemetery is fortunate to have an active Friends group. The bid supports the corporate priorities of promoting a safe and sustainable environment and a diverse and stimulating culture.