FAMILIES are calling on church leaders to intervene over concerns unmarked graves are being disturbed by contractors who are building a crematorium.

All Faiths Remembrance Parks Ltd have started work to build a crematorium, funeral chapel and car park at Calderstones Cemetery, in Whalley, which is the final resting place of just under 1,000 patients from Calderstones Hospital, a mental health institution.

Planning permission to construct the Ribble Valley's first ever crematorium has been in place for the past 10 years, however previous developers have failed to carry out works to complete the construction of a crematorium.

Last month, work on the crematorium was halted by the developer following claims it was being carried out on 'consecrated' land.

The Diocese of Blackburn, which covers Lancashire, has now been asked to intervene and to confirm whether the works are being carried out on land which has been formally and legally dedicated for religious purpose.

Angela Dunn, general manager of All Faiths Remembrance Parks Ltd, has confirmed no further work will be carried out until it is authorised by various legal authorities.

She said: "We are aware of the sensitivity of the site and of the concerns of the relatives of those buried in the cemetery.

"Unfortunately, whilst taking care not to cause any disturbance over graves previously marked on the site, our contractor did carry out some additional works associated with the access for the War Graves Cemetery.

"As soon as I became aware of these works I immediately stopped them and visited the site to carry out my own investigation.

"I have now received a full explanation and apology from the contractor in writing and assurances that no further work will take place until it is authorised.

"We are in ongoing discussions with the relevant organisations to ensure that all works being carried out on the site are compliant with current legislation.

"We would like to assure all of those who are concerned about the site that we want to build a beautiful garden of remembrance around our proposed crematorium with open access for the local community.

"We do not want to see Calderstones Cemetery fall, once again, into disrepair and become an unusable field, providing only limited access to the War Graves Commission Cemetery."

Residents and relatives of loved ones at the site said they have been left 'appalled' and 'disgusted'.

Alan and Jean Frost, who are based in Perth, Western Australia, have a relative who was buried at the Whalley cemetery in 1929.

Mr Frost said: "My wife and I are appalled and disgusted in the direction that this scenario regarding the desecration of consecrated ground has taken and, is still taking place."

He added: "My wife and I reside in Australia now, but are coming back next week to see if we cannot add some weight and moral support to stop this."

Whalley resident David Brierly-Green's aunt was buried at the site after she died aged 24 at Calderstones Hospital in 1924, said: "All I want is for my aunt to be left in peace together with all the other poor souls buried in this cemetery."

Community leader and Whalley resident, Mel Diack, said: "It baffles me and the relatives of the cemetery that Ribble Valley Council gave planning permission to build on what we believe is a consecrated site.

"We think Ribble Valley Council have made a mistake to build here by not checking the facts.

"It's now up to the Bishop to decide whether this site is consecrated and we are appealing to him for his jurisdiction on this matter."

Diane Rice, head of legal and democratic services, has assured residents that 'no grave will be built over' following conversations with Angela Dunn about the status of the site.

She said: "The site has had consent for development for many years and, until the more recent applications, there were no objections from the Parish Council or local residents.

"There are no breaches at this stage in either planning or environmental terms which would give rise to enforcement action.

"I am sure all concerned are anxious to ensure that the development is carried out in as sympathetic a manner as possible.

"The end use of the scheme will secure the proper maintenance of the site which I am sure will be welcomed by relatives and residents who, to date, have been distressed by the condition of the cemetery."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has also spoken of his concern and hopes the company follows the 'proper' rules and regulations.

He said: "I'm glad the works have stopped until the rules are being properly checked.

"There are 1,000 people buried there and the developer has to be certain they are not going against the rules that pertain.

"I think having a crematorium is good in the Ribble Valley because we do not have one."

Cllr Terry Hill, who represents the area, said: "The council are ensuring that legal procedures are followed and the company has given us reassurances it will be and then we will end with a facility that, in my view, would be welcomed in the Ribble Valley which does not have one."

The Diocese of Blackburn has been contacted but was unable to provide a comment at this stage.