WORK to restore a burial ground in Horsell gets underway today, much to the delight of the key figures behind the facelift.

Horsell Common Preservation, Representatives from the English Heritage Society and Woking Borough Council chiefs met this morning (August 1) to mark the start of the £166,000 restoration of the Muslim Burial Ground.

English Heritage are contributing £127,000 towards the total cost.

First established in 1917 for soldiers of the Indian Army who died in south-coast war hospitals, the burial ground is undergoing work to restore the site as a peaceful garden of remembrance.

It is hoped the project will be complete in time for the 100th anniversary ceremonies planned in commemoration of the start of the First World War.

It will also act as a future heritage site for anyone who lives in or visits the borough.

Attendees will include senior designation adviser for English Heritage, Paul Stamper; chairman of Horsell Common Preservation Society, David Robbins; society trustee Elizabeth Cuttle; the council’s portfolio holder for promotion of the local economy, Gary Elson; and project lead and the council’s senior policy officer, Zafar Iqbal. Speaking about the renovation work, Mr Stamper said the site’s restoration is a top priority in preparation for next year’s remembrance ceremony.

He said: “The burial ground’s architectural interest and unique status as a site of memory for Muslims who died while fighting for Britain in two world wars, is recognised in its national design-ation as a Grade II listed structure.

“English Heritage is pleased to have been able to support the work of Woking Borough Council and the Horsell Common Preservation Society to ensure that the fabric of this important war memorial, in a conservation area, is repaired in preparation for the First World War centenary commemorations.”

The initial construction phase, which is expected to be wrapped-up in November, will include; reinstating the boundary walls; restoring the Chatri (entrance pavilion) to its original state; and removing some existing trees to open up the surrounding area.

The site, which is located on the south-eastern corner of Horsell Common, will become a source of pride within the borough, Mr Robbins believes.

He explained: “We are delighted that this part of the common’s heritage is being repaired with the generous help of English Heritage and Woking Borough Council.

“I hope Woking will be proud of this unique war memorial when the work is finished.

“We also hope that our shared vision of planting a memorial garden within the walls will come to fruition with everyone’s support.”

Leader of the council, John Kingsbury, was also enthused at the prospect of brightening-up the aging memorial. “It really is an exciting time to see the Muslim Burial Ground being restored to its original state,” he added.

“It is an important heritage site, not only locally but also for the descendants of those who gave their lives in the First World War.

“Woking is a multicultural borough, and by working in part-nership with English Heritage and Horsell Common Preservation Society, it has managed to hold on to a future heritage site.”

For further information on the Muslim Burial Ground visit www.horsellcommon.org.uk