WORK has begun to dig up several footpaths within Pitsea Cemetery in order to create 150 new burial plots.

Basildon Council bosses say they must carry out the work because space for new burials will run out within a few months if no action is taken.

The £30,000 scheme to remove the footpaths will mean there will be room for three year’s worth of new burials.

It will also yield the council £85,000 in income from burial fees.

However, the decision has angered some residents with loved ones at the cemetery, in Church Road, Pitsea.

Bill Rutter, 60, from Basildon said: “My family and I go to visit my mum’s grave regularly.

“The other day, we had to leave our disabled relative 40 yards away from the grave, because the path had been dug up.

“I understand they need more space, but I can’t believe they are going to try to squeeze so many more graves in. Where are people going to walk?”

However, Hugh Reynolds, head of parks and grounds maintenance, said action has to be taken.

He added: “At the current rate of burial, Pitsea Cemetery is nearing a point where new space will not be available.

“We are undertaking a project to remove internal paths and this should create approximately another three years’ worth of burial space.”

Mr Reynolds added disabled visitors to the cemetery who needed help would receive it.

He stressed: “If anyone with mobility issues has problems accessing any of our cemeteries they should contact the cemetery office and arrangements to assist can be made.”

The decision to remove the pathways was agreed at a council meeting in February.

The council cannot extend the cemetery as the site is surrounded by privately-owned land which would be too costly to buy.