Lack of space paves way for double-decker graves in UK

London, Nov 15 : In a bid to tackle a shortage of space, human remains are to be exhumed and re-buried deeper in the ground in double-decker graves, it has been reported.

According to The Times of London, new inscriptions are to be added to existing headstones while some old gravestones could even be removed altogether.

The British government has devised a plan that will allow local authorities across England and Wales to begin the process of reburying old remains deeper in the earth next year, reports the Telegraph.

The 18-month trial of the scheme will see the first large-scale disturbance of remains since Victorian times.

According to the chief executive of the Institute of Cemeteries and Crematorium Management, only graves more than 100 years old that are no longer visited will be considered for the scheme.

Tim Morris, who is also a member of the Government's burial advisory board, told The Times: "In the cities this is a serious problem and our cemeteries are just not sustainable. We need these powers across the country or we are going to have serious disposal problems."

Alan Fairchild, another member of the burial advisory board, said: "It's an important measure for us to be able to provide burial space throughout the country," he said.

"It's a very sustainable way of doing it," he added.

ANI