Families Left Devastated by Council’s Graveyard Upheaval
Families are expressing deep dismay and anger after discovering that hundreds of gravestones at three cemeteries were intentionally knocked over by the Newcastle city council without prior notice.
The council claimed the memorials posed safety risks, yet many residents visiting Heaton cemetery were outraged upon finding the headstones lying flat on the ground.
Heartbroken Families Speak Out
Derek Armstrong, among those affected, visited the cemetery to pay respects to his triplets, only to discover their headstone labeled ‘unsafe’ and lying on the ground. His sons, born prematurely, passed away at tender ages, leaving a profound impact on him.
Similarly, Jo, deeply affected by her mother’s toppled headstone, expressed her heartbreak, unable to hold back tears at the sight. Lawrence Lamb, whose parents’ gravestones were also among those brought down, described the devastation and questioned the timing of this action, especially during the holiday season.
Council’s Response and Families’ Frustration
The council defended its actions, citing a need to ensure safety within cemeteries. They claimed that the decision to lay down memorials was based on public risk assessments. However, affected families have criticized the lack of prior communication and the subsequent financial burden placed upon them to reinstate the headstones.
Continuing Discontent and Past Incidents
This incident isn’t an isolated case, as similar controversies have arisen in other regions. In North Yorkshire, council actions at Haxby and Wigginton Cemetery faced backlash and accusations of vandalism after numerous headstones were taken down during what was termed a ‘topple test.’
Council’s Assurance and Clarification
The Newcastle City Council emphasized their legal obligation to maintain safe cemetery environments but acknowledged the sensitivity of the matter.
They clarified that efforts to contact affected families are made, although this might not always be achievable. The council assured support and guidance to families in restoring memorials, acknowledging the emotional weight attached to this issue.
Share on Facebook «||»
Share on Twitter «||»
Share on Reddit «||»
Share on LinkedIn
Labour Candidate Faces Backlash for Hanging Election Banner on Cemetery Gravestones: In a controversial move, a Labour candidate, Darren Rodwell, has come under fire for using gravestones in a cemetery as a means to display his...
Historic “Cotton Tree” in Sierra Leone, Symbol of National Pride, Toppled by Storm: …By Lola Smith for TDPel Media. A centuries-old, towering tree known as the “Cotton Tree,” cherished as a historic symbol in Sierra Leone, was brought...
Storm Debi Unleashes Chaos: Christmas Trees Toppled, Flood Warnings Issued in Southern England: Fury Unleashed: Storm Debi’s Impact on Britain As Storm Debi, the fourth named storm of the season, sweeps across Britain, it leaves a path of...
UK Man dies falling down a manhole after safety barriers were toppled by the relentless winds of Storm Isha: In the wake of Storm Isha’s destructive path across the UK, a heartbreaking incident occurred in Bradford, claiming the life of a man who reportedly...
This pump is the only source of water for hundreds of families in Makweng village. It has been broken since 2018: For five years Capricorn district municipality has failed to fix a water pump for the people of Makweng, Limpopo province. Chief Sello Tjale of Ga-Tjale...
Tragic incident as 296 people are killed with families wiped out and hundreds wounded following an enormous earthquake in Morocco.: “Deadly 6.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Morocco, Leaving Hundreds Dead and Injured” Morocco experienced its most significant earthquake in over 120 years, as a devastating 6.8-magnitude quake...
Controversial Silvertown Tunnel Listed in London Councils’ Framework for Economic Boost Despite Opposition: Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn...
Nigerian Government Implements Funding Cuts for Professional Bodies and Councils: …By Henry George for TDPel Media. In a move aimed at reducing government spending, the federal government of Nigeria has announced plans to slash funding...
Critics Slam Ondo State Government’s Plan to Expand Local Councils: Opposition political parties in Ondo State are expressing strong opposition to the government’s proposal to create 33 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the...
ACReSAL project: FCTA inaugurates local implementation committee for 6 area councils: By Philip Yatai The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has inaugurated Local Government Implementation Committees for the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic...
