The future of a compost heap still hangs in the balance.

Halstead Town Council received one complaint about the compost heap that had been created in the grounds of St Andrew’s Church, in Halstead.

Resident Robert Richmond called the heap “unsightly” and said it should be removed as it was covering up two of the tombs in the grounds of the church.

However, others have leapt to the defence of the compost heap, claiming it is an environmentally friendly way of disposing of waste and that it is important for local bat and deer population.

It is unknown who created the compost heap, but it is the responsibility of Halstead Town Council as they manage the churchyard.

At this month’s town council meeting, town mayor David Hume said work had been carried out in the churchyard and the tombs Mr Richmond claimed were being covered by the heap are now more visible.