BURIALS in Caerphilly borough are now limited to three a day - a move which will cause problems for grieving families, say funeral directors and the clergy.

Vicar of Risca John Blackburn contacted the council to express his dismay over the decision taken following a review earlier this year, done without consulting the clergy.

Funeral directors and memorial masons were consulted.

Previously, funeral directors could schedule funerals one hour apart. Now, funerals between Monday and Thursday have to be at 11am, 1pm and 3pm and Friday funerals have the time slots of 10am, midday and 2pm.

Ven Blackburn said: "Given the clergy deal directly with the bereaved it seems insulting and negligent we were not included in this process."

The council runs three cemeteries in Gwent: Abercarn, Dan-y-Graig and Risca Old.

Risca funeral director Stephen Tom, owner of Philip Tom and Sons, said they typically handle 15 funerals in the summer and up to 30 in winter.

He said: "It will be a major problem in the winter, it's going to cause a backlog of funerals which will have an impact on families who could be waiting an extra two days."

In 2009/10, there were 562 burials and 248 interments of cremated remains in the borough - 19 in Risca, 85 in Dan-y-Graig and 77 in Abercarn.

A letter seen by the Argus from the council's principal cemeteries and bereavements officer Mike Headington says: "Over the last few months, errors have been made and concerns have been raised by the staff and the trade union regarding the current system."

We asked the council what these errors were, and if any jobs would be cut, but they refused to comment.

A spokesman said, "The council has been working with local funeral directors in order to agree a more structured schedule for burials to take place throughout the day. We want to provide an efficient service and feel that this is the best way forward."

The new plan aims to give staff enough time to back fill graves and move any surplus soil before travelling to the next cemetery.

Edward Price of Blackwood funeral director Stanley Nicholas said the move "has not been thought through".

Pastor Jane Harris, who conducts funerals for Markham Congregational Church, slammed the council, saying: "It will affect personal choice for everyone and it’s hard for me to understand as I have received nothing from the council."