Anger over valley burial plan

Up to 4,000 people could be buried in the Lorton Valley

Villagers are angry at plans for a woodland burial site in a Cumbrian valley.

A company specialising in green funerals has bought 39 acres of agricultural land in the Lorton Valley - in the Lake District National Park.

Green Woodland Burials operates sites in Essex and Surrey, says just seven-acres will be used for burials.

But villagers in Lorton, near Cockermouth, have called on the proposals to be blocked.

If approved by the Lake District National Park Authority, the site could be used to bury up to 4,000 people.

Instead of headstones a commemorative tree is planted at the grave and the area becomes a nature reserve.

The reason why people are against it is because they don't really understand what a beautiful place this will turn out to be John Acton, Green Woodland Burials

But objectors say the site is unsuitable and will not serve the local community.

Villager Brian Herd said: "This is totally unsuitable for the gateway to a lovely valley in the Lake District.

"There will have to be a car park, signs and probably a building for people to shelter in bad weather.

"There is no need for this and no shortage of burial space in the area.

"This will largely be used by people from outside the area when there is a shortage of burial space."

But John Acton, a Cumbrian-born director of the company, said: "Local people need not fear this proposal.

"Whenever we have applied for permission in the past, there have always been objections. However, the biggest objectors usually become our biggest supporters.

"The reason why people are against it is because they don't really understand what a beautiful place this will turn out to be."

Mr Acton said the move would be a boost to local businesses, especially the bed and breakfast trade.

He said the land would eventually be turned over to a wildlife trust.