Council reclaims control of town's cemetery

A town council has reclaimed full control of its cemetery following a long-running legal dispute.

It has been run for many years by a committee that the local authority said "had managed to separate" from the council.

Middlewich Town Council said the board had "surrendered" its control of the cemetery.

Solicitors representing the Middlewich Cemetery Board said their client did not wish to comment.

Legal proceedings between the council and the board have been ongoing for several years.

Earlier this year, a town council investigation into the cemetery was published.

It looked into how the board had become separated from the town council, along with outlining the details of the legal action.

The report said the dispute had led to residents' council tax bills being higher.

It also said the investigation had "uncovered numerous significant findings that have had financial, governance and potentially criminal repercussions for individuals, both past and present, who have held public office".

Middlewich Town Council said it had submitted an urgent interim injunction application to take control of the cemetery's bank account.

It added it would "address any concerns relating to the issues and irregularities uncovered" by the investigation.

It also said the cemetery board had asked for a "drop hands agreement", which is where both parties agree to drop claims and pay their own costs.

The council said it "simply cannot consider [this as it] is a matter of public interest".

Under an interim arrangement, Cheshire East Council will be responsible for the administration and daily operation of the cemetery.

The town council will manage the grounds, maintenance and infrastructure.

Town mayor Simon Whittaker said: "We've had to put in place an urgent interim management plan which has meant that we bring in professional officers to assist us during this challenging period as there are many historic irregularities including financial and compliance issues."

In a statement, Cheshire Police said: "Middlewich Town Council referred themselves to Cheshire Constabulary following an internal investigation report.

"The report's findings were that there were financial, governance, and potentially criminal repercussions for individuals, both past and present, who have held public office.

"Civil litigation remains ongoing and therefore it is not appropriate for Cheshire Constabulary to comment further at this time."

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