No end in sight on graves crisis

No decision has yet been made about several possible sites being considered in an attempt to solve the shortage of burial space across Cannock Chase.

Bosses at Cannock Chase Council say they are keeping an "open mind" about the problem which has been an on-going issue in the district for several years.

Currently people living in Cannock and Hednesford face being cremated or buried at Stile Cop cemetery in Rugeley as Cannock Cemetery on Pye Green Road is full.

The council has been examining several sites around the district to try to find a potential new burial ground and last month the ruling cabinet decided to focus its efforts on using part of Cannock Golf Course.

A decision on two other sites in Heath Hayes and Norton Canes has been deferred until the golf course idea has been explored by the council's Golf Course Fundamental Service Review Panel.

Councillor Frank Allen, deputy leader of the Labour opposition said a decision needed to be made sooner rather than later.

He said: "If I was given the choice it would be to retain the golf course in its present form and look at other sites. The problem is that there aren't many sites in the district that we actually own."

Councillor Ann Bernard, cabinet member responsible for burial space at the council said: "No sites have been ruled in or out at this stage."