Saints drop plan for memorial wall for fans' ashes

A plan for a memorial wall that would have included the ashes of Northampton Saints rugby fans has been cancelled.

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

However, the club said initial demand "was not sufficient to support the long-term viability of the development".

Supporters who have already paid will receive a refund, Saints said.

"When we launched the Saints Memorial Wall, we did so believing it could provide a meaningful and lasting tribute for supporters and their loved ones at the heart of Franklin's Gardens," said the club's chief executive, Julia Chapman.

"Having carefully reviewed the level of demand we concluded that it was not right for us to proceed with the project.

"This was not a decision we took lightly and we recognise that it will be disappointing for some supporters.

"While that is a source of genuine regret, we hope they will understand the reasons behind our decision," she added.

When the project was announced the club said ashes would be interred for 50 years, with costs ranging from £4,000 to £8,000.

Alternative ways for supporters to "create a lasting legacy" at the ground will be explored, it added.

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