Residents of Coverack are considering clubbing together to buy land in which to extend the village graveyard.

It is after land at Dilligaf, directly next to the churchyard, became unexpectedly available.

The new owner of the land, who has acquired it as part of a divorce settlement, wants to sell it as quickly as possible and has offered St Keverne Parish Council first refusal on buying it.

Speaking at a meeting of members last Thursday, Councillor Bill Frisken reported that Bob Oxford, a neighbour of Dilligaf, had been approached by “a number of people,” who were willing to put money in towards buying the land to become a graveyard.

This was backed up by a member of the public, who said: “I know several people in Coverack who would be prepared to give a substantial amount towards the purchase.”

Councillor Sarah Lyne gave a note of caution, asking: “I’m assuming the asking price wouldn’t be for the price of a building plot, it will be for the price of a burial plot?”

Council chairman David Lambrick agreed the “crux” of the matter was how much the new owner would be prepared to accept.

And Councillor Russell Peters pointed out it would also need to be given the go-ahead by Cornwall Council’s planning department, to say whether the land would be allowed as a graveyard.

Councillor Roger Combe replied: “It does abut the existing churchyard; I would have thought it would be a logical move.”

Members agreed unanimously to support the idea of purchasing the land in principle and more detail will now be found over the price and whether such a change of use would be possible.