The muslim community in Croydon is worried they will run out of burial space within the next three years.

Over 1,000 people have signed a petition which will be put before the House of Commons by Andrew Pelling, Croydon North MP.

The petition reads: “The Petition of the people of Croydon and South London declares that there is a severe shortage of burial space for the Islamic community.

“The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to take steps to secure such burial space.”

Tahir Begg, 55, a muslim community leader, said: “At the moment, there is some land set aside for muslim burials in Greenlawn Cemetery in Warlingham. I am being told this space will run out in the next three to four years.”

Mr Begg said it was up to Croydon Council to secure more land for the burials and he hoped they would take action quickly.

“This is a big concern to a huge section of the local community.”

Mr Pelling said the issue is a local and also a national one which is why he drew up the petition.

A council spokeswoman said the authority had been looking for more ground and proposals are due to come before cabinet shortly.

She said they would continue to liaise with the muslim community.