Speculation is rife it could be the first site in the Ribble Valley to be turned into a "people and pets" cemetery – allowing people to be buried with their furry friends.

Offers in the region of £350,000 are being sought for Ribble Valley Remembrance Park (former Calderstones Cemetery), in Mitton Road, by estate agents H. W. Petty and Co.

Comprising a private cemetery and incorporating Whalley Military Cemetery, the site is about three acres and it is believed there are more than 2,000 burial plots.

War graves located in the cemetery are not up for sale as they belong to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and residents' fears the graveyard could be used as development land for housing have been allayed by council bosses.

This is not the first time the privately-owned cemetery has been put on the market. It went up for sale six years ago when it went under the auctioneer's hammer in Manchester after it was put on the market by the NHS, that had sold the surrounding part of the estate.

In 2002, extensive work was carried out in the cemetery and in July of that year, Ribble Valley Remembrance Park was created in the rural site. In 2004, it was revealed the graveyard had been sold to a mystery buyer.

In this latest sale, rumours that animal lovers can buy a burial space with a plot at their feet for their pets has sparked a mixed reaction.

It is not yet known whether there will be separate sections for pets, one for people, one for people and pets together and one for natural burials.

Whalley councillor Joyce Holgate said she did not know if there was any truth to the rumour, but would prefer the site to remain for natural burials.

She added: "I prefer the graveyard to be retained as a site for human burials, but I just hope the new owner will keep the cemetery up to a good standard. The war graves are beautifully kept and I would like to see the rest of the site maintained to that standard."

Vet Mr Martin Gabbutt believes the move will prove popular with pet owners. He said: "I think it's a good idea and think there are lots of people out there to whom it will appeal. This is a new concept that I have not come across before, but lots of people consider pets like members of their family and so I would have thought it would prove very popular."

What are your views on this issue? Leave your comments below.