Middlewich Cemetery Update

 

Middlewich Town Council have sought advice from counsel Robin Green through specialist Local Government solicitors at Wellers Hedleys. The advice of Robin Green is that Middlewich Cemetery Board have no authority or power to manage the cemetery. The management of the cemetery falls on the burial authority which is Middlewich Town Council.

 

Wellers Hedleys have sent a copy of counsel’s advice together with a request that Middlewich Cemetery Board (MCB) transfer all control over the Cemetery within 14 days. Middlewich Town Council hopes that MCB take on board the advice sought and hand over control to the Council so that no further costs are incurred by the Town Council. I copy of Counsel’s advice is available to view at the link below;

Advice re Middlewich Cemetery Board

 

In the event that the members of Middlewich Cemetery Board fail to transfer management of the cemetery to the Town Council, the Town Council shall instruct its legal advisors to proceed with injunctive proceedings without further notice.

 

The Council is conscious that progress has been slower than hoped; this has been due to the extremely rare circumstances and issues involved in this case, which has required specialist solicitors and Counsel. Staff workloads and the effect of the pandemic has also hindered process. The Council and their legal advisers are now able to act immediately on the expiration of the 14 days period if MCB do not comply.