A town churchyard is on the brink of closure due to a lack of space - and burials will have to take place in a village more than seven miles away.

All Saints Church in Brightlingsea has just four plots left and moves are under way by the Parochial Church Council to shut the site.

The council does not have the money to buy a new plot of land - or properly maintain the existing churchyard.

Father Richard Salenius, writing in the parish magazine, said: "The decision has been taken reluctantly because we know how well-used and visited the churchyard is."

He said the maintenance of the site would pass to Brightlingsea Town Council or Tendring Council.

Father Salenius added the churchyard closure would be handled by the Home Office, which would seek residents' views.

Only after the consultation process, the closure will come into effect. If that is agreed, burial will be offered by Tendring Council at St Osyth Cemetery.

Brightingsea Mayor Jo Ruffell said the town council was investigating the implications of becoming a burial authority.

"No decision has been made yet but we are looking at various issues, including land and costs." she added.

By Nigel Brown

Reporter's e-mail: nigel_brown@thisisessex.co.uk

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