Legal Update – Cemetery Under Town Council Control

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Following the cemetery investigation report released in April 2025 and the subsequent developments, the cemetery defendants, who were unlawfully acting as the burial authority, have surrendered their control over the cemetery.

Currently, the Town Council is waiting for a court date after submitting an urgent interim injunction application to obtain full documentation and take control of the cemetery’s bank account which is necessary for a comprehensive audit of accounts and accountability and in the public interest. The Town Council will address any concerns relating to the issues and irregularities uncovered by the aforementioned investigation into the previous management of the cemetery.

Councillor Simon Whittaker, Town Mayor said:

  • ”We’ve had to put in place an urgent interim management plan which has meant that we bring in professional officers to assist us during this challenging period as there are many historic irregularities including financial and compliance issues. This will allow us to focus on the ongoing legal matter and conduct the necessary audits with professional support”.
  • ”The defendants have approached the Town Council requesting a drop hands agreement against all ongoing and future claims which we simply cannot consider as this is a matter of public interest”.