FAMILIES who have had the ashes of loved ones scattered at their favourite football ground have raised concerns over its potential redevelopment.

They have called for a memorial garden to be built by builders if York City's ground at Bootham Crescent is ever sold for housing.

Over the years, a number of people have had their ashes scattered on the pitch after spending their lives following the team.

But many relatives fear the final resting places of their loved ones could be taken up if the ground is redeveloped.

The club is struggling financially and a rescue package is being prepared by supporters.

However, council chiefs have pledged that if the club does fold they will work with potential developers to commemorate those whose ashes were scattered at the ground.

One relative, Janet Kitchen, said the ashes of both her mother and stepfather were at the ground.

She said: "They were long-term City fans. I know they never expected that anything other than football would be played at Bootham Crescent.

"It is quite upsetting. A memorial garden is something I would like to see."

York City chaplain Chris Cullwick said: "I very much hope that, if the club cannot play at Bootham Crescent in the future, arrangements can be made to satisfy those concerns."

York's head of development control, Cliff Carruthers, said: "We recognise the importance of the pitch for people whose relatives' ashes are buried there."