Vandalism leads to wrong grave plot being dug

The wrong plot was dug for a grave in a burial ground in a village on the Shropshire border after yobs caused confusion by moving marker pegs, it was revealed today.

The "distressing" incident happened in Llanymynech's vandalism-hit burial ground when a gravedigger arrived to create fresh graves.

A member of the burial ground committee later arrived and spotted the mistake, but it was too late and the plot had been dug up.

The ground which was dug up was for a fresh burial and did not contain a coffin but the incident, which happened this summer, has sparked anger and concern in the village.

Terry Ingram, clerk of Llanymynech and Pant Parish Council burial committee, said nothing like it had happened before and the confusion caused extra work and a bill for £150 to deal with the error.

He said: "I went to the grounds in the morning and the lad digging the grave had already started work and it was the wrong plot.

"He had dug the six foot and had just finished when I arrived. It has never happened before. We had to pay for the wrong grave that had been dug to be filled."

No funerals were delayed by the incident but parish council chairman Dilys Ga- skill said it was 'distressing'.

Other incidents of anti-social behaviour have also been reported in the grou- nds including flowers being thrown around, and empty alcohol cans discarded.

Police said incidents of antisocial behaviour should be reported to them on 0300 3333000.