AN ANXIOUS vicar is still in need of land space after his previous plea for help fell on deaf ears.
Rev Ian Enticott, of St Philip’s Church, Kelsall, wrote to Cheshire West and Chester Council in April asking for assistance with the lack of grave space in his parish.
But as the Chronicle went to press, he had still not received a reply and with just five plots remaining in the church’s burial ground, he admitted the situation was becoming “desperate”.
“We just want to know what the council thinks about the problem and whether they can advise us on what to do. It’s getting pretty desperate really.
“If they are going to propose that burials will be done at Blacon then we definitely want to find some land nearer to Kelsall.
“I think there are about five more sites available but we really do need to find a field. There has been one burial since we did the article last time.
“I have written to them as they requested and we have still had no response.”
One possible resolution would be for the deceased to be buried at Blacon Crematorium but a round-trip of more than 20 miles is undesirable to those who have grown up in the parish who feel they lose their sense of belonging.
Rev Enticott is also hoping to strike a deal with any local land owners who could donate an appropriate site to the church.
Cheshire West and Chester Council have promised to hold crisis talks with Rev Enticott to find a solution to the worsening problem.
Council spokesman Mike McGivern said: “We are looking into the matter and a senior officer will be contacting the vicar shortly to discuss the situation.”
