A CAMPAIGN to ensure coroners in East Lancashire and beyond can swiftly deal with deaths at weekends has been stepped up by an MP.

Pendle’s Andrew Stephenson has voiced concerns there could be unnecessary delays in dealing with sudden deaths at weekends.

This is a recurring issue, said the MP, as East Lancashire has a significant Muslim community, where it is customary for burials to take place within 24 hours of a fatality.

Last year a Ministry of Justice consultation into coroners service reforms was conducted - but no proposals have yet been forthcoming.

He said: “Many communities across the UK, not least the large Muslim community in Pendle, need coroners to be there when there is a death over the weekend.

“It is not right that they have to wait until Monday.

“That is why I welcomed the Government’s announcement that they would look into reforms and encouraged the local community to respond to the consultation.

“But we have already been waiting half a year for a response and still don’t know how long we will have to wait.

“I have been asking questions in Parliament and will continue to put on pressure for quicker progress.”

Dr Phillip Lee, a junior justice minister, who confirmed the consultation received 214 responses, which were being evaluated, said: “Justice ministers have received representations from the Jewish and Muslim communities about coroners out of hours services and have met representatives.

“We recognise the importance of an out of hours service and have worked with the police and local authorities to this end.”