THE churchyard at St Augustine's is to be closed to future burials, the Parochial Church Council has decided.

After much consideration, the council of the Parish of Penarth and Llandough have reluctantly declared that for a number of reasons it is no longer feasible to accept any further burials with the exception of people who have already reserved space within a family grave. This will also apply to the interment of ashes.

Explaining the situation the Rector, Canon Roger Williams, said: “No incumbent ever likes to make this kind of announcement.

"However, we have to take account of all the practical considerations involved in using a very old and crowded burial space, including the possibility of disturbing existing unmarked graves."

Part of the problem for St Augustine’s is that the map of the graves is incomplete and although the churchyard looks as though there is room in areas where there are no tombstones it is known that there are graves in these spaces.

In recent years records have been kept, but there are several parts of the churchyard for which there are no records.

The resolution which was passed at a meeting of the council states: "Because of the difficulty of finding new spaces in the Churchyard for the burial of cremated remains, it was resolved that the churchyard should be closed for new burials other than at the request of the immediate family and where there is room, to the satisfaction of the PCC, for such additional burial in an existing grave or existing cremated remains plot."

Apart from the problem of lack of space for new burials, the PCC is faced with the ongoing challenge of maintenance.

The churchyard is large, has many damaged tombs and gravestones and is on sloping ground.

“The view from the churchyard is spectacular”, said Canon Williams, “And we know that many people come here to walk, relax and we hope to pray.

"We are gradually raising money to repair some of the more damaged tombs and if anyone feels they would like to make a contribution to help us to maintain this historic churchyard, we would be very grateful."

Anyone wanting to help can contact 02920 708722 or email parishcommunityhall@uwclub.net