Graves exhumed for church centre

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Thousands of bodies could be exhumed from a graveyard in Liverpool if plans to redevelop a church site are agreed.

The Diocese of Liverpool has drawn up proposals for a three storey building in the grounds of the Grade II listed St James Church in Toxteth.

The church has been closed for about 30 years but the plans will see it reopen alongside the creation of new supported housing and a community centre.

Test excavations of the site will determine the condition of any remains.

The Diocese said the redevelopment would "connect with the growing residential population and huge transient population who work, socialise or attend university in the city".

Church records show that there may be the remains of 2,500 bodies that the Diocese may want to exhume and reinter.

The last burial at the church was in 1898 but very few took place after 1851.

Project leader, the Reverend Neil Short, said: "We are very aware that work of this kind can create sensitivities among a number of people and are keen to show that we are doing this in the most responsible way possible.

"We are taking expert architectural and archaeological advice on the best way forward and will carry out all work according to legal guidelines".

The Diocese of Liverpool has secured preferred bidder status on the building which is to be transferred back from the Churches Conservation Trust.