Controversial ‘graves chapel’ consecrated (From Daily Echo)

Controversial ‘graves chapel’ consecrated

2:10pm Tuesday 6th October 2009

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A NEW chapel that was at the centre of a row involving one of Britain’s leading actors, has received its official blessing.

St John the Baptist Church in Burley was embroiled in controversy after unveiling plans to build a £110,000 chapel over five graves.

Campaigners who fought the scheme included actor Anthony Head, pictured, 55, who has appeared in Little Britain, Doctor Who and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. One of the graves affected was that of his grandmother Peggy Head.

Objectors had fought the proposal for nearly a decade – but lost their battle after a church court ruled in favour of the project.

Now the facility has been consecrated after the congregation welcomed the Bishop of Winchester, the Right Rev Michael Scott- Joynt, to a special ceremony.

The Rev Diane Webster told the Daily Echo that she hoped the consecration would help put an end to the controversy surrounding the scheme.

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