GRAVES dating back to the 18th century may have to be disturbed in the wake of new plans to develop a house on former church land.

Sheila Barnes, who lives in a former church minister's home in Dundee Lane, Ramsbottom, has received permission to build another house in the grounds.

Mrs Barnes explained: "Since my husband John died, the house is just too big for me. So my daughter will move into this house and I will move into the new house.

"Because there is a cemetery on the land, the driveway may just touch on it. However, the graveyard will be kept as it is with very little disturbance."

Depending on the development, some graves may have to be removed and reinterred or some plots will become inaccessible.

The first grave dates back to 1734 and the last one 1869. The church, was built around 1701 and closed in 1972.

Mrs Barnes has had a visit from a couple from America and from Dorset hoping to trace their ancestors.

"The graveyard is also featured in a video which Ramsbottom Heritage Society are making of the town," said Mrs Barnes.

A plan of the present place of burial showing the approximate position of the graves can be viewed at Ramsbottom Library.