BURIAL restrictions at a town cemetery have been lifted because plans for an extension are being drawn up.

A report into the availability of land for burial in the Wear Valley area revealed that West Auckland Cemetery only had enough space for burials for the next two years.

It was feared that interments would have to be restricted to people living in the community of West Auckland, and nearby St Helen Auckland and Tindale Crescent if extra space could not be found.

As a temporary measure, the restrictions were put in place, but tonight, at a meeting of Wear Valley District Council's community services committee, in Crook, plans to extend the cemetery will be announced.

Director of community services Paul Dobson confirmed the council was buying land adjoining the cemetery.

He said: "This means there will be burial space for the next 50 years so restrictions are no longer needed. As we were seeking land as a sensible precaution we restricted the use, but this has been for less than two months.''

The possibility of limiting the use of the cemetery raised concerns with local councillors Margaret and Sonny Douthwaite, from St Helen Auckland, and local vicar Father Robert McTeer. Last night, all three expressed delight that people who had family in the town would be able to be laid to rest near other family members.

Father McTeer, who wrote to the council voicing his concerns, said: "It is good that the council has managed to get something sorted out.''