Council could be forced to exhume bodies after burying two people in the wrong cemetery plots

Council could be forced to exhume bodies after burying two people in the wrong cemetery plots

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GB News
George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 14/02/2024

- 16:07

Updated: 14/02/2024

- 16:55

The council which runs the site has apologised and vowed to resolve the error

A council has been forced to apologise after accidentally burying two people in the wrong plots.

Bishopstoke Parish Council has launched the investigation after it was discovered the pair were buried in the wrong spots at Bishopstoke cemetery on February 2.


The families of the pair, who have not been named, were contacted by the council and an investigation has been launched.

Now, Conservative MP for nearby Eastleigh, Paul Holmes has said the incident "is deeply concerning."

\u200bBishopstoke Parish Council has apologised following the mix-up at the cemetery

Bishopstoke Parish Council has apologised following the mix-up at the cemetery

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A spokesperson from Bishopstoke Parish Council said: "The council is determined to address this as quickly as possible so that all concerned can have the comfort they deserve in knowing their loved ones are in their permanent resting place.

"Those involved have been contacted to determine the best path forward for everyone. Once the investigation is complete then its recommendations will be considered by the council, and measures will be adopted to ensure that this does not happen again.

"Our deepest sympathies go to all those affected by this unfortunate situation."

Independent councillor for Bishopstoke at Eastleigh Borough Council Louise Parker-Jones, said: "I was saddened to learn that loved ones were not laid to rest as intended. My thoughts are with their families and friends at this difficult time."

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\u200bPaul Holmes MP called the situation 'very concerning'

Paul Holmes MP called the situation 'very concerning'

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Paul Holmes MP said: "Everyone has the right to say goodbye to their loved ones and know that they have that special resting place. This is very concerning and I'm glad that an investigation is taking place."

MailOnline reports that Specific details surrounding the incident and the graves involved have not been disclosed. It is not known how long the bodies have been resting in the plots.

The parish council website said: "There are no council staff present at a burial and the funeral director must be present to oversee the burial at all times."

The site was opened in the mid-1950s with the first burial taking place in November of 1958.

For both cremated remains and a coffin burial, it is a criminal offence to disturb any buried human remains without first obtaining the necessary lawful permissions.

If the body is buried in consecrated grounds, permission is needed from the church plus a fee must be paid.

An exhumation can only be requested to move a body from the original grave to a family plot bought after the interment, to repatriate the body overseas for burial with other family members, to transfer a body from a cemetery scheduled for development to another or where there is a court order requiring further forensic examination.

GB News has approached Bishopstoke Parish Council for comment

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