Burial space in Stafford could run out in just seven years, it emerged today.

The situation has been classed as a “key risk” by council officers, who are struggling to identify new sites in the borough.

An action plan has now been drawn up to try and tackle the problem before it is too late.

“It is a very difficult situation,” said Councillor Stan Highfield, the borough council’s cabinet member for environment.

“Land is expensive and will only get more expensive as time goes on.”

Up to now the council has set aside a budget of only £35,000 to purchase a plot of land and carry out the necessary improvements.

But that figure is now thought to be considerably short of what will be needed.

The estimated seven years until space runs out has been based on current burial rates within the borough although the council has said any sudden rises in death rates such as a widespread flu outbreak would reduce the life of existing burial space quicker than predicted.

The council has said it may consider stopping people being able to pre-purchase their plots after 2013 to avoid “panic buying” as space at cemeteries run out.

One of the options the authority might consider is re-using old grave space at Eccleshall Road cemetery and Stone cemetery. The loss of burial space would also hit the council’s income which it makes through fees and charges.

Plot D at Stafford Crematorium could also be consecrated in partnership with the Lichfield Diocese to help ease the pressure.

Councillor Highfield added:  “We recognise the importance of this issue and our officers are working towards a solution and hopefully we will be coming up with one soon. We are not desperate yet.”

To avoid a shortage of space the council has set itself an aim of buying new land by 2015 at the latest.

It could take two years from purchase to get a piece of land ready for burials.

A number of sites are thought to be under consideration but the council will not reveal any possible locations.