THE GRAVESTONES of people buried in a Victorian cemetery could be flattened or removed if their relatives are not found.

When it opened in 1865 plots in Ongar Town Cemetery could be bought in perpetuity, allowing graves to be kept within the family and memorials to be placed on the ground above.

In 1962 burial law changed capping exclusive rights to 50 years.

This year rights purchased in 1968 expire, meaning the headstones of 11 people could be laid flat and unstable memorials removed if their family members are not found.

Relatives of Amy Louise Beard, Reginald James Beard, Henry Victor Petrie, Florence Petrie, George Alfred James Clements, George William Pincy, Amy Lillian Pincy, George Frederick Cook, Esther Jane Cook, William John Willmott and Hetty Gladys Willmott are asked to contact Ongar Town Council.

Amanda Laws, burial clerk, said: “Having an owner that the Council can contact is essential to administer the cemetery accurately and gives the relatives peace of mind by ensuring that these graves are properly looked after.

"If relatives have not come forward within 6 months of this notice the grave will be deemed to be abandoned and the Council will have the right to make safe or remove unstable memorials.”

Contact Ms Laws on 01277 365348 or admin@ongartowncouncil.gov.uk