A SKELETON in a church graveyard is to be dug up and moved because of tram construction works.
Contractors have given notice that they intend to exhume a woman's remains at Beeston Parish Church.
The move is needed so utilities can be rerouted for the new tram line between Nottingham and Chilwell as it passes through Beeston town centre.
The skeleton, which dates back to Victorian times, was discovered buried at the churchyard's boundary with the former Wilkinson store. The empty shop will be demolished to make way for the tram.
The Rev Wayne Plimmer, vicar at Beeston Parish Church, said: "What has been discovered is the remains of a Victorian burial.
"Because it's a full skeleton the contractors have to get the Ministry of Justice's permission to exhume the remains. Part of that process is ascertaining if there are any living relatives.
"As long as the remains are treated with decency I'm philosophical about it.
"From time to time developments take place around churchyards. The burial site is at the edge of the churchyard and the contractors are taking extra care to ensure that demolition work doesn't interfere. Any kind of activity around this body will be undertaken with dignity."
The churchyard was closed for burials in the late 19th century, while gravestones were moved to from plots to the sides of the graveyard in the mid 1950s.
Church warden Ray Stevenson said the remains were discovered after contractors removed some leylandii in the church grounds.
He said: "When they were taking the roots out they disturbed a grave."
The church is currently undergoing restoration work.
Mr Stevenson added: "We are a thriving church. The churchyard is a feature of Beeston and when the tram comes it will be a focal point."
Tram contractors Taylor Woodrow Alstom have given two months' notice of their intention to move the body. The work could take place in mid-August.
In a public notice outlining their intention, the contractors state: "Notice is hereby given that Taylor Woodrow Alstom... intends to exhume remains of various persons interred at the burial ground of Beeston Parish Church."
The remains will be reinterred, subject to the following conditions:
The removal is done with due care and attention to decency.
The grounds are screened from the public.
Disinfectant is to be sprinkled over any coffins exhumed and the soil, if necessary.
The remains to be removed prior to the start of any building works.
A NET Phase Two project spokesperson said: "We recognise that this is a sensitive situation. Therefore we are following the correct statutory procedures to relocate the remains and are making enquiries in an attempt to identify any family connections."
