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Car-park plan for 200-year-old graves

27/12/2001

SHOCKED families could find their relatives' graves buried under a car park if a new development in Barton is given the green light.

The 200-year-old Barton Methodist Church and its two cemetery plots are the subject of a planning application which could see the derelict church demolished in favour of a block of 32 flats, and a car park laid over some of the 1,100 graves - believed to contain more than 6,500 bodies.

Ninety-one-year-old Vera Hutchinson buried her six-year-old son at Barton Methodist in 1941 after he drowned in Manchester Ship Canal, but because his death was more than 50 years ago she, like many others, will not be able to have her son's grave moved elsewhere.

She told The Advertiser: "It's completely wrong. We're all very upset about it, we want to know what is going to happen."

Vera's nephew, Philip Hutchinson, whose two grandparents are also buried at Barton Methodist, said he 'could not believe' what developers Abbotsound Ltd were suggesting, and wondered how many families would never even know about it.

He said: "My gran was the last person to be buried in there in the 1960s and I own one other grave that we are trying to track down. I have sent my letter of objection to the town hall. I know the building had been vandalised and I'm quite happy with the plans to knock down the church - but I'm certainly not happy that they want to change the cemetery into a car park."

Philip has now vowed to continue fighting the development, and track down the missing graves.

Meanwhile The Advertiser can reveal that the man behind the proposals is Les Hampson, who is no stranger to controversy and planning rows. Earlier this year, as we reported, his Lancaster House development in Hope sparked a furious reaction from local residents, who claimed it was being used as a hostel for ex-offenders.

Mr Hampson, who has always denied claims that Lancaster House was a hostel, said he was keen to work with anyone who has objections to the cemetery plans. He added that he wants to build a memorial garden to allow people access.

"I understand the plans are contentious but it is really common practice throughout the country. We want to work with the people involved and make sure it is tasteful."

Mr Hampson added he placed public notices in The Advertiser, which were not statutory, because he wanted to be open about his plans.

Anyone with relatives buried at the site can contact the Links Resource Centre on 707 8856 for information.