A HISTORIAN is searching for anyone in Welwyn who has a grave lease of 100 years at the village church.

Gordon Longmead, who lives in York Way, is searching for the document as he believes the parish council has lost previous rural district records, which he says state leases for a plot at St Mary’s last for a century.

The parish council is currently offering leases to last 65 years.

Mr Longmead not only sees this information as incorrect, but also thinks it affects many parishioners.

“As it stands there can still be close relatives living when the grave is taken away from the family. You cannot stop any stranger from buying that grave once the lease has gone.

“You can’t have that, it’s not right,” he said.

He added: “They [Welwyn Parish Council] don’t want to face the fact they have destroyed their records.”

Anita Pack, the acting parish clerk, said: “We’ve checked back on our records and they say 65 years.

“If we find any other information stating 100 years I’m happy to look through it.”

If you have the required documents or anything similar call Mr Longmead on 01438 716415.