The first phase in creating a memorial garden dedicated to nearly 3,000 former psychiatric patients in Menston is almost finished – thanks to the support of local tradesmen and residents.

The Friends of High Royds Memorial Garden received the keys to the former psychiatric hospital’s burial ground, in Buckle Lane, last summer.

Since then, work has been ongoing to create a lasting tribute, including restoring the old chapel, to all those patients who ended up buried in paupers’ graves.

To help fund the project, the group began selling shares in late 2009 and, thanks to the money raised, the chapel restoration, which has included adding a new roof, is nearly complete.

Friends spokesman Ron Sweeney, of Burley-in-Wharfedale, said he was delighted to be able to report on such good progress ahead of the scheme’s first annual general meeting next week.

He said: “The first phase of the memorial garden is nearing completion. The chapel has had a new roof installed by professional roofer, Alan Storey, on a voluntary basis.”

The next stage will include creating a floral garden of remembrance and looking at how the refurbished chapel can be used to host exhibitions of old documents and photographs relating to the buildings and past patients of High Royds.

The group’s annual general meeting starts at 7.30pm next Tuesday in the Methodist Church Hall on Main Street, Menston.

Refreshments will be served, and while only shareholders can vote all opinions, suggestions and support from anyone attending will be welcome.