RESIDENTS who have relatives buried in Chipping Norton Baptist Church graveyard are being given the opportunity to claim the gravestones.

There is a current renovation project being carried out at the church by B&R Developments to reduce its size and refurbish it as a centre of worship for the community. The remaining part of the building is creating eight affordable two-bedroomed apartments.

The present church, which has been empty for over five years, was completed in 1863, although the official founding of the Baptist Church congregation was a century-and-a-half earlier in 1694.

The church has been at the centre of community life in Chipping Norton for several hundred years, and it is hoped that this new project will enable the church to carry on as a core part of life in the town.

Deacon Joe Rice said: "Extensive work is required, as the interior of the site looks pretty much like a bomb site after years of neglect. However, the brick structure is in good order, and once restored will again make an impressive sight along New Street. The work is progressing well, with the majority of the rubble and interiors now removed.

"The church community itself is incredibly excited about the project. Not only will it provide the church family with a meeting point, but it will also enable them to reach out to the community and share what they already do from a more formalised and permanent location.

The developers are also keen to see the project as something that is a win-win situation for all. Not only does the church receive a restored beautiful building for their meetings, but the project is also providing eight affordable homes in a location that is desperate for good housing."

It is hoped the new building will be open by May 2016.

Mr Rice said that the next major step involved the relocation of the 100 or more gravestones. The developers are appealing to any town residents who would like to recover their family's gravestone to contact them within the next 28 days - around the end of July - so work can continue. They will be made available for people to collect them.

B&R Developments can be contacted on: office@bandrltd.com or by phone on 016808 641600.