March 2, 2001 10:13: PROPOSALS to flatten historic gravestones have been branded "a waste of time" by members of the Amersham Society.

Amersham Town Council will be conducting a risk assessment on the gravestones at St Mary's Parish Church, Church Street, Amersham Old Town, this month to check if they are unsafe and any dangerous gravestones will be knocked down.

Raymond Hockey, a member of the Amersham Society which aims to preserve the town's character and amenities, attacked the idea saying: "I think they are making a mountain out of a molehill.

"I see their point of view but surely they could just be strengthened? I think it is a waste of time.

"I doubt they are really a danger to the public."

Council clerk Des Knowles said the area had to be made safe.

He said: "If the stones fall over they will kill someone. Some of them are five or six feet tall. The worse case scenario is to take them down all of them.

"We have had notices up since last November and we will try to find the title deed holders but if we can't we will have to lay it flat."

Defending the plans, the Rev Tim Harper, Rector of St Mary's Parish Church, said: "There are two parts to this medieval site, one of which has been closed since 1870 and the sides of the vaults are leaning over. It's become dangerous. Safety does have to come into it.

"The Victorian cemetery closed in 1970 but there have been problems of the same nature. There is no question of digging up remains."