'Horrified' Maldon resident claims digger drove over graves

Jane Spencer has been visiting Maldon Cemetery for more than 47 years and has many family members buried there.

Last December was the first time the 66-year-old said she had seen the evidence of where a digger had been driven.

She was “horrified” to see it had been driven over people’s final resting places.

The weather had been very wet and Jane claims the track marks were obvious from the start of the grassed pathway area.

She said: “I could see those plastic square mats had been laid along the path way, however where the digger had driven over my loved ones there was no boarding.

“The man responsible for digging the grave came over to me apologising for what he had to do, saying he had no other way of getting to the plot to be dug. Because of the wet weather he needed to go in one way and out the another.

“I was very upset and said ‘I’m sure it isn’t your fault. It’s dreadful – I can’t believe it’s expected of you’.”

Jane says at the end of last month her family set about straightening and lifting three headstones.

However two weeks later, she says, they were driven over again, although this time boarding had been used.

“It still doesn’t alter the fact that my family are being driven over,” said Jane. “I find it horrible even to think of. It’s not the done thing to walk over them and there are many people out there who agree with me.”

Jane says the cemetery department was “very kind, sympathetic and understanding”.

But she fears nothing will change as it is common practice to drive over the graves.

A spokesman for Maldon District Council said: “The council has always used a mechanical digger to dig graves in our cemeteries, and when a grave cannot be dug mechanically due to the close proximity to other graves and memorials, it is hand dug.

Tracks over 'pre purchased' unoccupied graves the day the complaint was made. Photo: Maldon District Council

“We have a dedicated, professional and empathetic team who are always respectful when working in and around the cemetery, and every care is taken to ensure that no damage is caused to graves or memorials.

“The team works very hard to make Maldon Cemetery a peaceful and tranquil area, and we would be keen to welcome new members to the Friends of Maldon Cemetery group who can help us do this.

“You can find out more by contacting friendsofmaldoncemetery@gmail.com.”