GRAVES have been removed from the site of a convent so new flats can be built.

Sixteen historic graves have been removed from The landmark Sisters of Mercy Convent, Lionel Road, Canvey.

It will be replaced by 32 homes after plans were approved in June this year.

In preparation for building work to begin, the 16 graves have been removed and placed at the Willow Cemetery, on Northwick Road.

In a small corner of the convent grounds, there was a small enclosed cemetery containing 16 graves.

The cemetery shows where the Anglican nuns from the Society of the Good Shepherd, who founded the original convent in 1920, are laid to rest.

A spokesman for Castle Point Council said: “I can confirm that a total of 16 graves located at the site of the former Sisters of Mercy Convent, Lionel Road, Canvey Island were removed over three days between August 21 and August 23.

“Environmental health officers from Castle Point Council were present on all three days to oversee the process and to ensure that health and safety and infection control standards were adhered to while the works were taking place.

“The graves have been moved to Willow Cemetery, Northwick Road, Canvey.”

The Institute of Our Lady of Mercy were contacted for comment in relation to the graves being removed, but failed to respond.

The convent on Canvey was originally set up in the 1920s by Anglican Nuns.

After the First World War, the Sisters of Mercy came to the island and took over the old convent.

They set up a school on the site, and dedicated it to St Joseph.

The convent, as it is seen today, was built in 1971.

When plans were submitted to Castle Point Council, 167 objections from residents were submitted, urging the site to be preserved, as well as insisting more homes would increase traffic problems on the island - particularly with the sites proximity to Long Road.

When discussed by the council’s development control committee, it was highlighted the site had a sentimental value, and was a “tranquil of oasis” but there were no “technical objections” to the plans.

The plans were initially submitted by the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy in 2017.

When the plans were recommended for approval, it was highlighted there is no clear use for the site.