NO final resting place can be found for the people of Ashburton if they want their mortal remains to be buried locally, it was revealed this week.

And now a fight has been launched in the land of the living to allow the dead to be accommodated in home soil.

The grim campaign is underway because graveyard space in the town has reached a dead-end with the ‘full’ sign going up at St Andrew’s Church.

Urn burials after cremation can still be accommodated – but fully boxed punters will have to spend their time in eternity outside the town.

Town councillors are on the case with SOS missives being despatched to bodies which may be able to help them find alternative RIP venues.

Among those looking to deal with the sombre dilemma is Ashburton mayor John Nutley who is ‘disgusted’ by the impasse.

‘I think it is unjust and upsetting for families of those born and bred in Ashburton – and for many of us who love and have lived in the town for many years – in having to be buried in other towns and villages.’

He added: ‘Something needs to be done. I am disgusted that this problem exists. I love Ashburton – and I want to be buried here.’

The squeeze on consecrated ground has been a looming worry for a couple of years.

Three months ago push came to shove and St Andrew’s was officially declared closed for coffin burials.

There were hopes several years ago that a site could be used off Headborough Road, but nothing came of the plan.

Mr Nutley, who is also chairman of Ashburton Town Council and a Teignbridge councillor, said one local family had to bury their loved one at Landscove because of the jam.

‘More will follow unless this is sorted. People will be spread everywhere – and that is wrong,’ he declared.

Pleas for help have already been sent to Teignbridge Council, County Hall and the Church of England Diocese of Exeter in the hope they can find a solution to the problem.

Mr Nutley said: ‘I feel we have to put pressure on these authorities to address this situation for the sake of residents living in our parish.’