TALKS are taking place over plans for a permanent memorial to babies buried in unmarked graves in a Kendal cemetery.

Mums lost babies while staying in St Monica's Maternity Home for unmarried mothers which was run by the Church of England’s Diocese of Carlisle until its closure in 1970.

Following previous claims of abuse towards mothers at the home, it emerged that 45 babies from St Monica's who were born and died there are buried in a mass unmarked grave at Kendal's Parkside Road cemetery.

And discussions are taking places over way to properly mark their deaths.

A remembrance service is due to take place next year while there are also talks between the diocese and Westmorland and Furness Council over building a permanent memorial to the babies.

A diocese spokesman said: “Our prayers remain with all those affected by historical accounts of emotional abuse and a lack of care at St Monica’s Maternity Home. We are truly sorry for the pain and anguish they have suffered, and we remain committed to supporting anyone who comes forward.

"As part of this – and in line with particular requests from some of those affected - conversations are ongoing with our local authority partner, Westmorland and Furness Council, around the siting of a memorial at Parkside Cemetery (land which is owned by them) where there are unmarked graves of babies born at St Monica’s.

"It has also been suggested that a commemorative service takes place in the spring.

"The Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh, the Acting Bishop of Carlisle, has been clear that should those people who have come forward with accounts relating to St Monica’s want his involvement in such a service he would be humbled to do so."

Police conducted an initial probe into claims of abuse at the maternity home but did not find evidence of offences.

Officers have however told anyone with information to come forward.

The diocese spokesman added: "We also remain committed to working with all agencies around St Monica’s and we would once again urge anyone with new information relating to the home to contact Cumbria Constabulary."

Anyone affected can contact the diocesan safeguarding adviser, Joanna Van Lachterop, on 07458 016884 or at safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk.

Safe Spaces, a free and independent support service for anyone who has been abused by someone in the church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, can be contacted by telephone on 0300 303 1056 or via email at safespaces@firstlight.org.uk.

Meanwhile, people who have connections to St Monica’s and have queries about access to diocesan records held about the home can contact deputy diocesan secretary Ali Ng at ali.ng@carlislediocese.org.uk.