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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Grave fears after Northumberland cemetery mix-up | Grave fears after Northumberland cemetery mix-up |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| There are fears people could be buried in the wrong plots after errors were uncovered in records for two cemeteries in Northumberland. | There are fears people could be buried in the wrong plots after errors were uncovered in records for two cemeteries in Northumberland. |
| The county council said the inaccuracies, affecting Berwick North Road and Tweedmouth cemeteries, were causing it "considerable concern". | The county council said the inaccuracies, affecting Berwick North Road and Tweedmouth cemeteries, were causing it "considerable concern". |
| They relate to dates before 2009, when it took over management from Berwick Borough Council. | They relate to dates before 2009, when it took over management from Berwick Borough Council. |
| Steps are being taken to contact any families who may be affected. | Steps are being taken to contact any families who may be affected. |
| The inaccuracies came to light following an independent investigation commissioned by the council, which took over responsibility for the cemeteries after it became a unitary authority. | |
| Two members of staff were suspended and later dismissed for gross misconduct. | |
| 'Extremely upsetting' | 'Extremely upsetting' |
| The errors include burial in the wrong plot, a memorial on the wrong grave, deeds issued incorrectly, or an unregistered burial. | |
| It is thought they only relate to a small number of plots and in most cases could be rectified by clarifying details for the burial records. | It is thought they only relate to a small number of plots and in most cases could be rectified by clarifying details for the burial records. |
| However, the council said in a very small number of cases a more detailed investigation might be necessary. | However, the council said in a very small number of cases a more detailed investigation might be necessary. |
| In these cases, it said it would work very closely with families and take any action only with their approval and express permission. | In these cases, it said it would work very closely with families and take any action only with their approval and express permission. |
| Roger Styring, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, said: "We understand that this could be extremely upsetting for people affected by this and we're sorry for the distress caused. | Roger Styring, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, said: "We understand that this could be extremely upsetting for people affected by this and we're sorry for the distress caused. |
| "We are making a commitment to all of the families involved that we will deal with these issues in an extremely sensitive manner. | "We are making a commitment to all of the families involved that we will deal with these issues in an extremely sensitive manner. |
| "We are putting support in place to ensure that anyone affected has full knowledge and any support and guidance that they need during the work." | "We are putting support in place to ensure that anyone affected has full knowledge and any support and guidance that they need during the work." |