UP to ten bodies are set to be dug up and moved from the site of a former burial ground to make way for a new development.

The buried remains are due to be delicately exhumed from the site in Chapel Street, Farnworth then re-interred at Farnworth Cemetery, before workmen start to build an 80-bedroomed nursing home.

A number of tombstones will also be moved.

Last October four skulls and other bones were found when contractors began to excavate the land with a digger. Those remains have already been re-interred.

The development's Yorkshire-based contractors, Thermabuild Construction Ltd, have now completed a thorough investigation of the land and have logged the locations of the other coffins on a map.

Details of the deceased have also been compiled and relatives can access them at the contractor's Bolton office in Chapel Street, Farnworth.

The developers say the removal of the remains will be done with "care and attention to decency" within the next two months.

Relatives are able to apply to the Government to have remains exhumed privately then reinterred elsewhere or cremated.

Environmental health officers from Bolton Council are to oversee the work and a screen will be put up to shield the excavation from the passing public.

Thermabuild Construction Ltd, who have been given permission by the Government to remove the bodies under the Disused Burial Grounds (Amendment Act) 1981, say no building work will begin before the remains are removed.

The nursing home development, which received the backing of councillors and planning chiefs in November, 2002, will provide 24-hour care with three staff shifts.

The three-storey building is due to have a conservatory and up to 20 parking spaces.

The Church, Farnworth Congregational Church -- closed in 1958.

The site was later the home of Blighty's nightclub, which closed its doors in the 1980s.

UP to ten bodies are to be dug up and moved from the site of a former burial ground to make way for a new development.

The buried remains are due to be delicately exhumed from the site in Chapel Street, Farnworth then reinterred at Farnworth Cemetery, before workmen start to build an 80-bedroomed nursing home.

A number of tombstones will also be moved from the former Farnworth Congregational Church.

Last October four skulls and other bones were found when contractors began to excavate the land with a digger. Those remains have already been reinterred.

The development's Yorkshire-based contractors, Thermabuild Construction Ltd, have now completed a thorough investigation of the land and have logged the locations of the other coffins on a map.

Details of the deceased have also been compiled and relatives can access them at the contractor's Bolton office in Chapel Street, Farnworth.

The developers say the removal of the remains will be done with "care and attention to decency" within the next two months.

Relatives are able to apply to the Government to have remains exhumed privately then reinterred elsewhere or cremated.

Environmental health officers from Bolton Council are to oversee the work and a screen will be put up to shield the excavation from the passing public.

Thermabuild Construction Ltd, who have been given permission by the Government to remove the bodies under the Disused Burial Grounds (Amendment Act) 1981, say no building work will begin before the remains are removed.

The nursing home development, which received the backing of councillors and planning chiefs in November, 2002, will provide 24-hour care with three staff shifts.

The three-storey building is due to have a conservatory and up to 20 parking spaces. The church closed in 1958.

The site was later the home of Blighty's nightclub, which closed its doors in the 1980s.