My relatives’ graves have been DESTROYED & paved over to make room for a car park, it’s awful so we’re taking action
FAMILIES are outraged and taking action after saying loved ones’ graves were destroyed and paved over to make room for a car park.
Cops are investigating after headstones were allegedly removed from outside a chapel in Powys in Wales.
Relatives say they were taken away while providing room for a car park.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were investigating “a report of criminal damage” at the Bethany Chapel in Kerry, near Newtown.
The chapel shut about 20 years ago and planning permission was granted last year for a car park and driveway to be built on neighbouring land.
The work has now finished but families were dismayed to discover plots had allegedly disappeared from the burial ground.
The building’s owners Dolafon Gospel Hall Trust, part of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, insist no graves have been lost.
Among those speaking out are the White Lewis family, who have grandparents and great-grandparents in the graveyard.
They say a headstone for grandparents John Davies Lewis and Olive Lewis is now missing.
The family said: “We are all shocked and deeply upset.
“None of us have had any communication regarding our opinions on this completely inappropriate development.
“We call for reassurance and evidence that our loved ones’ remains have not been disturbed or even taken away.”
Jackie Davies, who also has family graves there, told Sky News: “It’s clear that they’ve been disturbed, it’s clear that headstones have got posts put through into the graves.
“It’s all very traumatic, it’s all very disturbing to see – it’s sickening to see.”
Powys County Council said it was investigating whether planning consents have been breached, after being “made aware of concerns”.
The authority said: “Works to any graves would require separate consent from the Home Office and the agent was made aware of this requirement.
“Planning permission has since been granted for the change of use of land to form a parking area and formation of vehicular access in June 2022.
“This application did not seek to relocate any further gravestones.”
A spokesman for the Dolafon Gospel Hall Trust, part of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, said: “We are meticulously adhering to the planning consent granted by Powys County Council as we deliver this important restoration.
“The planning permission for the development of the site and its grounds was granted while under previous ownership.
“We have since worked closely with the council and other relevant authorities to ensure that our plans are delivered sensitively and appropriately.”
The trust said they wanted to be “good neighbours and support the local community, including through extensive charitable activity”.
The Sun Online has approached the trust for further comment.
Dyfed-Powys Police today said enquiries were still ongoing.
Powys last month topped a table ranking Britain’s most dangerous roads.
The area is home to former Neighbours actor Mark Little who has played for a local cricket team after moving here from Australia.
Meanwhile, more upset around a graveyard was caused recently when a ULEZ camera was installed close to a cemetery in east London.