Neighbours have branded a further exhumation of graves to make way for building work by a reverend “a disgrace”.

Colin Hart, 50, of Ollards Grove in Loughton, complained to the Ministry of Justice last week after learning that workers erecting a two-storey house in the grounds of Loughton Baptist Church, in High Road, had discovered numerous unmarked graves.

Reverend Wayne Dulson insisted that building work will continue once the remains have been moved.

It follows a building row last year when neighbours complained about being able to see 25 coffins, including some containing mothers with children, after they were exhumed to make way for a new playgroup building.

Mr Hart said: “How can you justify digging up the remains of someone’s loved one to put a building there?

“We are somewhat incensed by the complete lack of respect this reverend continues to demonstrate and we feel the public should be made aware of his actions. It is disgraceful."

Reverend Wayne Dulson said the work was stopped following advice from the Ministry of Justice as soon as the graves were discovered.

“We will be moving those that need to be moved and this will be done under the supervision of the local environmental health officer,” he added.

For more on this story, see this week’s Guardian – out Thursday.