A CAMPAIGN has been launched to protect 150-year-old graves on a site earmarked for the proposed Darwen Academy.

Darwen Local History Society has revealed that the burial ground of Darwen's first Primitive Methodist Church was built in Redearth Road in the 1800s.

The chapel was demolished in the 1960s but members believe there are still gravestones on the site which have become hidden under overgrown grass.

The group is carrying out a history project on the Redearth Road area of the town, where residents are opposing plans to knock down their homes as part of the Elevate housing renewal programme.

And it is concerned that the graves and a part of Darwen's history would be destroyed if the plans for redevelopment of the site are given the go-ahead.

Although the academy itself would not be built on the graveyard site, this area would be within the grounds and close to a planned entrance.

The history society does not know how many graves remain under the grass and is hoping to carry out an assessment to find out.

Chairman Jayne Waring said: "While conducting our research and looking around the areas we came across a gravestone on land at the junction of Redearth Road and Redearth Street and we have been informed that there may be other stones that have become overgrown with grass.

"We do not want to go digging the area up without permission but what we would like to do is to ascertain how many stones there are and where they are to ensure they do not get damaged.

"In view of the development that is proposed in the area we feel people should be made aware of the significance of the former chapel and church site and the fact that there may still be human remains on the land.

"We feel that more historical research should be conducted before any demolition or development is permitted."

Coun Mohammed Khan, executive member for housing and neighbourhoods, said: "Blackburn with Darwen Council has a record of valuing historical buildings and the heritage of Darwen.

"We are aware of the existence of this graveyard and have been in active discussions with various organisations as to how this situation can be managed respectfully and carefully."

Adam Wilkinson, of Save Britain's Heritage, said: "We have previously given our support to the residents' campaign to save their homes.

"We wouldn't necessarily fight for something like the graves but we would take it on board as another reason why the area should not be cleared."