A Shropshire council is to fork out thousands of pounds on a detailed study of land earmarked as a graveyard, which is prone to flooding.

Newport Town Council has already spent £2,500 for a geological survey of the waterlogged marshland it bought next to the existing cemetery in 2005.

But costs continue to escalate as councillors now prepare to bring in professionals once again – paying out a further £2,200 – to pinpoint the most effective solution to make the land usable.

The move was agreed at last night’s town council meeting – but did not come without opposition.

Councillor Phil Norton demanded more answers about the history of the land.

Town clerk Lee Jakeman said he had written to the borough council’s planning department to ask how the land defects had not been detected when it was initially granted planning permission for cemetery space.

Councillor Norton said: “I would like to raise my concern about why this issue wasn’t highlighted to us before. The land was granted planning permission but the planners do not seem to have consulted with the Environment Agency.

“We should have been told that this land was not suitable for use as a cemetery.

“I am opposing that we spend any more money at taxpayer’s expense because if the borough council has messed up and not done the job properly, they should pay for it. I do not want to see the money come out of our budget.”

Options include introducing cement tombs, increasing the height of the land or draining it completely – all at extra cost.

The council bought the land in 2005 because burial space at the cemetery was running out – but the marshland in Audley Avenue has caused headaches ever since because it is flood-prone.

Councillor Adam Stanton said it was imperative the council ploughed ahead with the investigation.

He said: “We now know which type of work needs to be done to the potential land we will use for cemetery space.

“We must provide this amenity for the people of the town and for the future and I propose we spend this money on work that needs to take place.”

All councillors voted in favour except for Councillor Norton.

By Samuel Pinnington