A TOWN is looking at a possible compulsory purchase on land to house a new cemetery, as its present burial ground will reach capacity soon.

The site, off Green Lane, in Yarm is one of the few remaining pieces of land within the parish which has not been earmarked for development, the town council said.

Councillors agreed unanimously that they must look for land within the parish, so residents can be laid to rest in their home town, and are looking at land opposite the former Tall Trees site.

They said if the land cannot be bought by mutual agreement then they will look at a compulsory purchase. The council is considering a loan from the Public Works Loan Board to fund this.

There are more than 1,000 homes being built, or have planning permission, in the Green Lane area.

Andrew Sherris, a town council member who has been researching the necessary procedures, said: "Over the next few years we will need additional burial land for both interments and cremated remains.

"I am convinced that residents in Yarm will support this, and indeed want to be buried in Yarm rather than have to go elsewhere in the borough such as Stockton.

"Whilst we obviously have many newcomers to Yarm, it is a priority that our long established Yarm families are well looked after."

He said some older residents were concerned they would not be able to bury loved ones within the town as the Worsall Road cemetery reaches capacity within a few years.

He added: "Burial land must be within the parish of Yarm and this is the last available. If this means less housing then this is all to the good.

"We were unsuccessful previously when the land around Morley Carr Farm came up. However, this time we have the necessary knowledge and procedures in place.

"Our present cemetery on Worsall Road will be at capacity in the next few years to we need to plan for the future."

Yarm Town Council has agreed the initial start of this project by agreeing firstly to acquire the land, and, if necessary, to go down the route of borrowing by way of the Public Works Loan Board funding.

The next step is for Yarm's Cemetery Committee and the town council clerk to formalise proceedings and approach the landowner.

Yarm Town Cemetery, on Worsall Road close to the town centre, has been accommodating burials since 1891 and is estimated to be just a few years from being at capacity.