PLANS to create a graveyard in former railway sidings at Entwistle have been blasted by parish councillors.

Members of North Turton Parish Council have told Blackburn planning chiefs that they "object strongly" to the scheme, which would convert the long-disused sidings into a burial ground.

At a recent meeting they said it would be "ridiculous" for a funeral cortege to travel down Hob Lane, a narrow, single track road.

And now they have sent an official letter to Blackburn with Darwen planning department in time for their objections to be considered.

The plans submitted by William Gore, of Edge Lane, Entwistle, also allow for 14 car park spaces, including space for a hearse as well as a possible site for a single storey administration and toilet block. A cemetery is one of the few uses allowed on green belt land but council officials are unsure what kind of facility would be developed if "outline" permission was granted.

In their letter to the planning department parish councillors say that traffic congestion and poor road conditions were already a problem on Hob Lane and Entwistle Hall Road.

They maintain that sufficient burial ground is available for several future generations of all denominations.

Mr Gore could not be contacted for his comments on his plans.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.