AN INVASION of bodies from out of town could cause grave problems in the future for Bromsgrove burials, a new report warns.

Requests for burial from non-residents have increased in recent months, according to a report to the Executive Cabinet meeting of Bromsgrove District Council tonight (Wednesday).

The local authority says it has invested in the future for its residents with the creation of North Bromsgrove Cemetery at Catshill but neighbouring councils have failed to keep pace and Birmingham, for instance, could be running out of burial space.

The report calls for "defensive" measures like doubling or trebling the charges made to out-of-towners.

"The fact that the council's charges are very low makes Bromsgrove an attractive alternative," the report says.

The council will also be considering other cemetery charges. The report says the introduction of a Memorial Masons Scheme could provide the opportunity to bring in a charge for memorial permits, possibly at around £15.

Bigger graves could also cost more. The report says there has been an increasing tendency among undertakers recently to ask for longer or wider graves. The council already charges for burials more than five feet under and in future it could charge more for graves longer than six feet six inches or wider than two feet.

It is also thinking of making all Deeds of Grant - buying the exclusive right of burial - last for 75 years instead of 25 or 50. Legally, after 75 years, the right can be terminated if no burial has taken place.