Gloucester City Council has issued an apology after it was discovered that two individuals were buried in incorrect plots at Coney Hill cemetery.
The mistake was brought to light during a full meeting of the City Council and has been described as “tragic.” Councilor Alastair Chambers raised the matter, calling for an immediate investigation into the burials at the cemetery.
The council has admitted to the error, confirming the knowledge of two recent burials conducted in the wrong spots within the cemetery grounds. They assured that all necessary steps and protocols have been followed to relocate the graves to their proper places, while maintaining sensitive communication with the affected families.
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It has been clarified that the two misplacements occurred due to separate, unrelated issues. Officials emphasized that at no time were the deceased’s loved ones present at an incorrect burial service.
Expressing dismay, Cllr Chambers remarked, “I am both shocked and deeply saddened to learn that the city council has been burying bodies in the wrong graves. It’s hard to believe that such a devastating mistake could even happen.”
A spokesperson for Gloucester City Council expressed their regret to those affected, stating: “We apologize to the family and friends of the bereaved.”
The council has been actively engaging with the aggrieved parties, offering support throughout the ordeal. At a council meeting on 27 March 2025, councillors called for an inquiry into the mishandling of burials at the local cemetery.
Efforts have been made to rectify the situation, as they explained: “We have followed all processes and procedures to move those graves to the correct locations in the cemetery, and have been working sensitively with the families involved to resolve these.”
They reiterated their apology and commitment to the families: “We apologize to the family and friends of the bereaved and we would like to reassure the public that we have worked with and supported the families throughout this process.”
The council’s message concluded with a note of condolence: “Our thoughts and feelings remain with the family and friends of the deceased.”