By Alan Irving

Last updated at 11:44, Thursday, 22 March 2012

COPELAND Council has been investigating why a body was put in the wrong grave at Whitehaven Cemetery.

Family members were present but the embarrassing mistake was realised before the grave was covered over.

As a full burial did not take place, it was not necessary for Copeland Council, owners of the cemetery, to apply to the Ministry of Justice for an exhumation order or to take the matter any further other than carry out its own investigation process.

Yesterday, in response to an inquiry from The Whitehaven News, the council admitted that “a burial plot was dug in the incorrect position”.

Chief executive, Paul Walker, added: “The mistake was discovered during the burial service and the coffin was moved immediately and interred in the correct burial plot later the same day.

“The family, who were present at the funeral, were aware of the situation and we apologised to them for the distress caused.”

The News understands that following the internal inquiry, disciplinary action was taken against a member of the cemetery staff but it did not result in dismissal.

First published at 11:10, Thursday, 22 March 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk