ST John's churchyard in Winsford could soon be closed for further burials if an application to the Home Office is approved.

The church in Delamere Street has requested closure of the burial area because it claims there is no proper room for new burials and further burials would be contrary to decency.

However, further burials in any existing family grave where there is sufficient depth would still be allowed.

Rev Simon Hamill-Stewart, of St John The Evangelist, explained: "It's normal procedure. When a church yard is full you make an application to the Home Office for its closure.

"However burials of cremated remains would still be permitted."

But at a meeting of Winsford Town Council on Monday night, Clr Don Beckett said that the council had not been given sufficient time to inform the public of the closure of the churchyard.

He said: "Can we note the time this was received from the Home Office and suggest that the timeframe that's left to get out to the public and get their views is not long enough.

"Can I suggest we write back and say this timeframe is not sufficient."

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