Anger over soil mound on baby son’s grave

A COUPLE preparing to commemorate the first anniversary of their baby son’s death were horrified to discover his grave covered with earth.

Katy Martin and Justin Mundford were devastated when they found a large mound of earth on top of the grave of their son Isaac Mundford at Charlestown Cemetery, Baildon, Bradford.

Isaac, who was born premature, was 20 days old when he died from a hole in his lung on August 30, last year.

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The family had decorated his grave in preparation for the first anniversary today. But workmen removed the decorations, placing them nearby as they dug another grave next to Isaac’s.

Miss Martin, 32, of West Park, Leeds, was devastated when she saw her son’s grave. She said the earth could have been placed in an empty space behind graves.

Isaac’s grave had been adorned with toys and wood chimes.

Bradford Council apologised and said the grave would be restored in time for today’s anniversary.

Mr Antonio Smith, the authority’s bereavement services manager, said: “We are sorry the family have been upset by the soil from an adjacent grave excavation being placed on their child’s grave.

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“However, as it states in the essential information we supply to everyone who buys a plot in our cemeteries, this can happen sometimes.

“To remove the soil away from the grave plots and bring it back after the funeral service would be a very expensive operation and force a sharp and unwanted increase in the fees we charge.

“Before they set to work our staff removed unauthorised items from the adjacent grave to ensure they were not damaged and the plot was treated with the utmost respect.

“As we are aware of the sad anniversary approaching the family in this case, we will ensure the soil is removed and the grave restored to its dignified situation in time for this to be commemorated.”