Saints to create memorial wall for fans' ashes

A memorial wall to include the ashes of Northampton Saints rugby fans has been given the green light.

The Saints Memorial Wall will become part of a wider development to enhance the fan village at the Prem Rugby side's Franklin's Gardens ground.

West Northamptonshire Council approved the plans, which will see the demolition of the Saints Foundation Building, relocation of the groundskeeper's compound, a new memorial park, and an outdoor area for food and drink, complete with TV screen.

Saints chief executive Julia Chapman said it would enable supporters to have "a place where their connection with this club can endure".

There are some restrictions for the event and marquee area.

The council said it could only be used for live and recorded music during weekdays and Saturdays between 09:00 and 23:00 "to ensure the creation of a satisfactory environment free from intrusive levels of noise protects residential amenity".

Chapman previously said the club would create "something truly distinctive in UK sport", and had been inspired by similar projects at Spanish football clubs Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Ashes would be interred for 50 years, with costs ranging from £4,000 to £8,000.

Chapman said the walled area would be open on non-matchdays and was part of a wider plan to develop its fan village – an area that offers entertainment and food and drink outlets.

The club has so far had a successful season and will finish top of the Prem table with a home play-off semi-final on Friday 12 June.

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