Mother considers exhuming children in burials row

A mother is considering exhuming her children's' graves in a row with her town council over space.

Scarlett Black, 30, from Marlborough, Wiltshire, has two children buried in one plot at Marlborough Cemetery, and wanted an extra 60cm of space around the grave for a larger memorial.

Her request was rejected by Marlborough Town Council.

The council said it has tried hard to accommodate the memorial, which goes against some of its regulations, and wants to find a way to resolve the situation.

Mrs Black’s daughter Millie-Grace was stillborn in 2021 and cremated. In June this year, she lost a second daughter, 13-week-old Carmen.

Carmen was buried in a four-foot coffin, to allow space for some special trinkets.

“They were both going to be placed in the baby section of the graveyard, but it was under a tree and was tiny.

“I wanted a bigger plot for both of them, so I could have somewhere to make pretty for them," Ms Black said.

She paid for a bigger plot in the hope that she could have a larger headstone for both her daughters’ names, and a memorial space.

'Multiple restrictions'

"Two days prior to the funeral I went onto the council’s website and saw the multiple restrictions. I contacted them saying I’m a bit concerned.

“I was then sent a letter saying I’m only allowed a headstone.

Mrs Black said she was told she would be allowed a 30cm headstone and 30cm around it.

“The reason being is they need the groundsmen to be able to get past and for people to walk through,” she said.

“I said 'I’m a bit concerned you’re wanting people to walk over my girls'.”

Mrs Black said the ordeal has made her grieving process “even harder".

“I’ve even considered moving my girls to a different graveyard, so they have the grave they deserve," she said.

“I’ve been in tears ever since because of these restrictions. It’s affected me really badly.

“My other daughter has autism and ADHD. She wants to be able to play with the stones and feel like she’s still connected to the girls," she said.

Marlborough Town Council said it has tried to accommodate the memorial within its restrictions, and has arranged a meeting with Ms Black.

A spokesperson said: “We are fully aware of the sensitive nature of this situation and offer our deepest condolences to Mrs Black.

"We looked at ways in which we could accommodate her wishes whilst still being mindful of other families who have loved ones buried in the same cemetery, who also have to adhere to the rules and regulations.

“We have worked hard with Mrs Black to accommodate her wishes even though they go against some of our rules and regulations and would really like to find a way to resolve this situation satisfactorily for all involved."

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