Burial extension could 'take away business', councillor says

10:17am Friday 3rd September 2010

By Rebecca Cain

THE use of a burial ground at St Dunstan's Church in Monks Risborough could be “taking away what you might call business” from the council's memorial garden, a councillor said.

St Dunstan's Church asked Princes Risborough Town Council if it would be able to use access through council owned land if it decided to use an extension to its burial ground.

At the town council meeting on Tuesday night Cllr Reg Orsler said he believed the graveyards at St Mary's Church and St Dunstan's were almost full, which is why money was spent on creating Stratton Memorial Garden.

He said: “It is basically taking away what you might call business from our memorial garden which we have established for Monks Risborough and Princes Risborough.”

Cllr Orsler said he believed the extension could not be used because it was “of archaeological interest”.

Cllr Eunice Clifford said: “I am absolutely and completely against this. I don't agree that any part of our parks should be taken for a byway to get into any where else. They are our parks and that is how they should stay.”

Reverend James Tomkins from St Dunstan's Church said the land in question was conveyed to the church in 1963 and has been given planning permission for a burial ground.

A few years ago when the church looked at using the land some items were found which were enough to suggest a full archaeological inspection would need to be carried out as it is in the historic core of Monks Risborough.

Rev Tomkins said it was decided to leave it but now there are only about 10 burial spaces left for the community and there are steps that need to be taken before it can be used for burials.

He said: “It is about pastoral care within the parish. It is part of the service to the community and will offer people the opportunity to be buried in their actual parish.”

The Reverend added: “It is not in competition with the memorial ground. It is purely the fact it is an option.”

He said they need a different access to the extension as otherwise machinery would have to be brought through the graveyard. An archaeological dig will also have to go ahead.

He said if they are not allowed access they will have to consider other options.

The town council decided to consider the request until the next town council meeting.