GRAVE diggers are forcing up the prices of funerals and burial plots in Mersea.

West Mersea Town Council have introduced a five percent price increase for burials in its two cemeteries.

John May, West Mersea mayor has blamed the rising cost of Colchester Council employed grave diggers for the price hike.

A full burial plot at Feldy View Cemetary has increased from £755 to £795 for Mersea residents, and plots for ashes have increased from £635 to £675.

Non-residents will pay even more - £895 for a burial and £735 for an interment of ashes.

It will cost islanders £551.25p for a 25 year burial plot at Firs Road Cemetery.