An urgent search is on for burial ground in a Staffordshire village with space set to run out in just five years and villagers adamant they do not want to be buried elsewhere.

Norton Canes Parish Council is busy trying to identify possible sites for burial land in the village. Land close to St James’ Church has been identified as a possible site. Norton Canes parish councillor John Bernard said it was important to find burial space as soon as possible.

He said people wanted to bury their loved ones in the village. He said: “This is a very important issue for the people of Norton Canes.

“The parish council has been looking at this issue for some time. I believe there is enough space for five years at the moment so it is important that we find new burial space land soon.

“People don’t want to send their loved ones to Stile Cop.”

Villagers are being asked to full in a questionnaire asking them to express their views on cemetery land space and other projects the parish council is looking at including replacement bus shelters and increased allotment provision in the village.

The forms need to be submitted to the Norton Canes Parish Office in Burntwood Road by November 30.

Cannock Chase Council has been examining several sites around the district to try to find a potential new burial ground. Burial space has long been a contentious issue as Cannock Cemetery is full.

There is only three years worth of space at Stile Cop Cemetery in Rugeley although the council is planning to change the layout there which could make the space last until 2020.