[Acrylic-bob]

I seem to remember, not so long ago, there being a similar proposal regarding Christchurch's burial ground. Nigel Rix was behind a project to tarmac the area and turn it into a carpark and bin storage site. Rix, committed Christian that he is, saw nothing wrong, immoral or sacriligeous in leaving the bodies in situ, beneath the tarmac. The Vicar, whose name escapes me, wittered something typically Anglican PC about especially cherishing those of our forebears about to be entombed a second time in tarmac.

As has been remarked, this seems to be growing trend.

Throughout all of our history as a species, the places where we place our dead have been held to be places apart. Places redolant of the awe and mystery of the final act of life. Places of instruction, inspiring pity and piety in equal measure. I do not recall them ever being held to be places of facile entertainment.

If this proposal is effected, it will complete the desecration commenced in the late sixties when most of the vaults, headstones and statuary were removed and the area flattened. How long, one wonders, will it be before the area is needed for car parking?