OLD gravestones of people who lived in Cricklade in a bygone era are falling into disrepair.

That is because the family members of loved ones buried in the cemetery of St Mary's Church have also died.

The issue was discussed last night at a meeting of the town council's Community and Leisure committee.

It is the responsibility of the town council to maintain cemeteries but down to family members to look after gravestones.

But the cemeteries at St Sampson's Church and St Mary's Church have been closed for a century.

Town clerk Margaret Griffiths, said: "It can cost thousands of pounds to reset a tomb stone. It could be a costly affair if it falls on Cricklade ratepayers."