A “full-up” graveyard is set to close, preventing residents from being buried in their village.

The cemetery outside St Leonard’s Church in The Square, in Eynsham, has only about 10 spaces left and could shut as soon as they are filled.

New land has yet to be found and it means villagers may have to be buried as far away as Witney, roughly five miles away.

The Rev Morey Andrews, vicar of St Leonard’s Church, said: “We’ve known this time was coming so looked for other areas of land that are suitable, but there’s no space in the village. So many villagers want to be buried in the churchyard, which is quite understandable, but there’s no space.

“The ideal scenario would be that we could have more space and carry on the hundreds of years of tradition.

“We’re really disappointed we have to do this and we’re exploring all options.”

The spaces are expected to be filled within a year and the St Leonard’s Parochial Church Council, which is holding a public consultation, will apply to the Ministry of Justice to close the churchyard, home to hundreds of plots.

It will still be accessible to visitors and can be used for scattering or burying ashes after cremations, but no new burials will be allowed.

West Oxfordshire District Council (is responsible for providing an alternative site for burials.

One option being explored by the church is digging up the oldest graves in the 800-year-old graveyard to create new space, but this would need special permission from the Diocese of Oxford.

Villager Julie Jordan, 55, has about 10 relatives over five generations buried there.

She said: “It’s sad – my family are there and that’s why I would want to be buried there.

“I wouldn’t want my distant relations to be dug up or have their bones disturbed.”

Eynsham Parish Council chairman Gordon Beach said: “It’s a bit of a disappointment for Eynsham, but if it’s full they haven’t got too many choices.”

Witney Town Council facilities manager Claire Swan said its four-hectare Tower Hill Cemetery is nearly full, but the nine-hectare Windrush Cemetery, opened about 12 years ago, should last for up to 50 years.

She said: “If they come from outside the town, they have to pay double fees.

“It’s a massive problem for society and it’s a good idea for families to plan ahead.”

A public consultation will be held until the end of December.

The district council was not available for comment.

  • To give your views on the issue, write to the Parochial Church Council secretary, 21 High Street, Eynsham, OX29 4HE.

Our top stories

 

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.