Plans to reuse graves in Dewsbury have sparked outrage, with locals calling the proposals disgraceful and disrespectful to the deceased.
Dewsbury: People are really upset about the idea of reusing graves. It’s been called “utterly disgraceful” and has stirred a lot of emotions in the community.
The Law Commission has suggested this as a way to tackle the shortage of burial space in England and Wales. They think it’s a solution, especially in crowded urban areas, but many locals aren’t buying it.
They say the current burial laws are outdated, dating back to the 1800s. While some places already allow grave reuse, many feel it’s disrespectful to disturb the resting places of loved ones.
Christine Leeman, a trustee of the New Friends of Dewsbury Cemetery Group, is leading the charge against these plans. She’s started a petition because she has family members buried there, some for over 90 years.
She finds it shocking to think that their remains could be disturbed for someone else’s burial. Christine believes cemeteries are sacred spaces and should be treated with respect.
She’s also worried about the impact on Commonwealth war graves, saying it’s wrong to even consider exhuming those who fought for the country.
Last year, there were concerns about Dewsbury Cemetery running out of space, but the council assured everyone that there’s enough room for several more years.
In June, a report indicated that a new burial ground was needed soon, but the council still claimed there were enough spaces available for everyone.
They even approved a £500,000 investment to find more burial space, with plans for two new sites that could add 1,000 spaces each.
However, a recent petition from the Kirklees Community Alliance group is calling for urgent action, as they’ve been told the funding is no longer available.
Councillor Carole Pattison reassured the community that there are no plans to reuse burial grounds in Kirklees. Instead, they’re focused on increasing capacity to meet local needs.
It’s a heated topic, and many are eager to see how this unfolds. If you want to support Christine’s petition or learn more about the Law Commission’s proposals, there are links available.
