A DISPUTE between members of the Bomford family and the Baptist Union Corporation has flared up over the future of the family burial ground in Atch Lench.

The Bomfords fear their ancestors' burial ground will be turfed over and the grave stones removed now the chapel has been closed for more than a year.

According to the foundation deed of 1829, if the chapel goes out of use as a place of worship for a period of 12 months, the ownership of it and the graveyard revert to the heirs of Joseph and Thomas Bomford.

Now descendants have heard that the Baptist Union Corporation plans to sell it off, which could lead to the gravestones being cleared to make way for a lawn.

South Littleton farmer, Tony Bomford, said: "My great, great, great, grandfather is buried there and so are many other ancestors.

"I cannot believe that the BUC is planning to sell off the chapel and graveyard without even informing the family or the community.

"I wonder how they think they are honouring their obligations to their heirs."

Chartered engineer, Peter Bomford, who grew up in Atch Lench said: "I was stunned, This chapel was built by my family's ancestors Joseph and Thomas Bomford and has served the local Baptist community since 1829. Many Lenches' families have forbears lying there and several people still have plots reserved for their own burials.

"I was told that the solicitor acting for the BUC had been instructed to trace the heirs. However I now learn that, quite contrary to the provisions of the Deed, as trustees of the property they are about to sell it without any reference to the heirs or any other family member.

Former director of Bomford and Evershed, Michael Bomford, who farmed in Atch Lench, Sherriffs Lench, Salford Priors and Dunnington, said: "I am outraged. This family has served the Baptist cause for over 175 years and this is what the BUC tries to do to their legacy and to their graves."

Director of the Baptist Union Corporation, Philip Putman said: "I am sure there are many descendants of the Bomfords, but not necessarily legal 'heirs'.

"We intend to sell the chapel and grounds but leave the cemetery as it is for the foreseeable future."

He said that the money from any sale would go the rightful heirs, if they can be found.