A HUSBAND is demanding an apology and response from the council after his wife of 45 years was buried in the wrong grave at Neston Cemetery.
Thomas Duncan, and his wife Janet, spent their life in Neston and fostered around 30 boys over a 34-year period.
On Friday, December 30 2022, Janet died following an illness that caused her bowel to burst.
Janet was buried on Thursday, January 26 in a grave that Thomas was under the impression was the plot he had bought for him and Janet around 10 years ago.
'They admitted that they'd buried her in the wrong plot'
To his horror, when Thomas contacted the stonemasons to get a gravestone made for Janet, Cheshire West and Chester Council refused the application and said his name did not match the name on the deeds.
He later found out in a letter sent to his sister on March 8 2023 that the council had provided the wrong plot number to the undertakers and Janet was buried in the wrong place.
Speaking to the Globe, he said: "They admitted that they'd buried her in the wrong plot and no one has helped or tried to contact me when they said they would.
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"I can't even grieve my wife at the moment because I don't know what's happening.
"The undertakers have been absolutely amazing. They were given the wrong plot by the local authority and it is a horrendous mistake.
"If I died tomorrow, I wouldn't be buried with my wife."
After Thomas asked for more communication, on Friday, March 3 CWAC agreed to call Thomas on March 6 but he has still not had any phone call from them.
He has since ordered a gravestone, however, the council will not tell him who owns the plot Janet has been buried in and has suggested she may have to be exhumed.
"Someone owns the deeds to that plot and someone is going to find out that Janet is buried there," he said.
"Through all of this, the council has not once said sorry to me. They're more annoyed at me because I shouted down the phone but I am angry and grieving.
"They just don't understand and they are not interested.
"I want communication and for them to take responsibility and to tell me she isn't being moved and I will be buried with her."
Getting extremely emotional, Thomas went on to say he "prays" something is done.
He said: "I sit here every night just praying someone calls me.
"It's really bad for me. They won't tell me who made the mistake or why the mistake was made."
Council comment
A Cheshire West and Chester Council spokesperson said: "This is a very delicate issue and investigations are ongoing.
"The Council is in contact with those involved and understands the emotional impact it has had on all concerned."
Thomas is looking to seek legal action, to get a full £1,800 reimbursement from the council and is trying to find a solicitor, however, does not have the funds to cover the fees required.
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