An MP has called for an investigation after grieving families found treasured mementoes “piled up” at gravesides and soil strewn across plots at a South Cheshire cemetery.
Families attending graves of loved ones at Meadow Brook Cemetery in Crewe hit out at Orbitas funeral services after finding items left in piles during works to lay a new path.
Crewe & Nantwich MP Dr Kieran Mullan said he has demanded an apology from the Cheshire East Council service after being contacted by families.
Mr Mullan said families “found mementoes removed and piled up, soil piled up and strewn across the plots and partially started but incomplete path laying work taking place”.
Hailey Jane Lumsden said on Facebook: “We have very recently laid my mum to rest (two weeks ago) at Meadowbrook cemetery, Crewe and this is what I was greeted with this afternoon.
“We have had no warning, no email no phone call, nothing.
“My mum’s belongings have been thrown all over the place, on top of other people’s belongings and on the field.
“We are absolutely devastated at the lack of respect that the cemetery have had.”
Hailey told us: “There are around 40 plots which have been affected, and I think only 20 received information.”
Paul Farmer also wrote: “My mum’s ashes were only put there just over a week ago.
“I own the plot and no one has notified me of anything.”
A number of families said they received no notification of planned works despite claims by Orbitas that a letter was sent.
Dr Mullan said: “I think people will agree that there is no justification to find the site in the manner it is shown in these images.
“It demonstrates a complete lack of respect to those buried and their loved ones.
“Whatever the legal right Orbitas have to manage the site, their legal rights should be exercised with due care and sensitivity and the ground should be kept in a dignified state even if there are works being conducted.
“I also understand a number of relatives had no notice of any changes being made to the site and that in fact a single letter at relatively short notice was sent to others rather than a proper attempt at engagement and discussion with families.
“These families deserve an apology and to meet with those in charge of Orbitas to hear a proper explanation of what has happened here and how nothing like this will happen again in future.”
Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for public health and corporate services, said: “We deeply regret the distress this may have caused to relatives and loved ones who may not have received the notification letters issued three weeks ago.
“Families were requested by letter to remove any mementos from their plots.
“Unfortunately, this had not been done in some instances and our contractors were left to remove these belongings themselves when they began the work to create a new pathway.
“We acknowledge that not all relatives and plot owners were aware of the nature of the work that was to take place.
“Owing to heavy downpours, the contractors were not able to leave the site as they would have wished and in time for the weekend.
“We accept that the area should have been left in a better state and we are contacting all the families concerned to offer our apologies and to assure them that this will not happen again.
“We have been assured that the council’s bereavement services company – Orbitas – is carrying out an investigation.
“The work being undertaken is to lay a concrete flag path on top of a foundation strip so that those plots can be reached more easily, avoiding the need to walk on soggy grass in wet conditions.
“A gravel strip will also be laid for the interment of cremated remains. All the plots are for the interment of ashes only and these have not been disturbed.
“Meadow Brook Cemetery is a relatively new cemetery created from farmland and Orbitas continues to carry out work to enhance its surroundings and develop a peaceful and tranquil environment where loved ones can reflect and pay their respects.”
Why is this being done by a private company, taking profit with apparently no responsibility?
Disgusting the same happened to my mums grave a tree had fell down in a storm & smashed my mums headstone . There was bits of wood everywhere & her Memorial items broken & strewn all over . I spoke to a bloke removing the tree & he wasnt abit bothered he said it wasnt his problem . Disgusting Attitude I was very upset . They just dont care . Hope you get at least An Apology ❤