Concerns raised over 'cars parked on graves'

A councillor has called for "immediate action" to stop cars parking in the churchyard

Concerns have been raised over claims that cars are being parked on graves at a historic church.

Gloucester City Council member Rebecca Trimnell said it was "extremely disrespectful" for cars to be parked in the churchyard at St Mary de Crypt Church.

Councillors fear it is part of a rise in "unofficial" parking in Gloucester city centre since the closure of the Longsmith Street multi-storey for safety reasons.

The council thanked Ms Trimnell for bringing the issue to its attention, adding: “Once the cars have been removed, we will look to secure the area.”

The council said it would look to secure the area

Since the closure of Longsmith Street car park in September, cars have been parking on council owned-land outside North Warehouse and civic chiefs fear the issue is now spreading to other areas.

Ms Trimnell called for "immediate action" to stop cars parking in the churchyard.

“This has been happening a lot,” she said.

“How can people enjoy this space when cars are parked all over it, it’s also extremely disrespectful to those buried in the churchyard.

“How can the powers that be possibly justify these amount of cars parked in a space that had recently been maintained for the enjoyment of residents and visitors to the city?

"It is disgraceful," she added.

Care of graves taken seriously

Church rector, Reverend Canon Nikki Arthy, said there had been occasions when builders' vans had been parked with council permission, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service

Mrs Arthy added: "Care of the old graves is taken seriously.

"We welcome a conversation with Councillor Rebecca as we work to support the life of the city together.”

Gloucester City Council said it would attempt to contact the owners of vehicles parked at the church.

St Mary de Crypt, a Grade I listed church of Norman origin which was substantially rebuilt in the late 1300s, underwent a £1.36m refurbishment in 2018 and its churchyard was recently closed to tackle anti-social behaviour.