Families locked out of Nuneaton's biggest cemetery on New Year's Day

[dutchman]

Council bosses have blamed human error and apologised for any upset caused



Grieving families found themselves locked out of Nuneaton's biggest cemetery on New Year’s Day because of 'human error'.

People were greeted by a locked gate when they went along to Oaston Road cemetery during the morning of New Year’s Day to pay their respects to loved ones.

“There was no note, nothing, we could not get in, we go every year on New Year’s Day, it is disgusting that we couldn’t get into the cemetery,” said a resident, who did not want to be named.

Many took to social media to vent their upset and frustration about being unable to go to the cemetery, which was reportedly opened later in the afternoon.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has blamed ‘human error’ for the delay in the gate opening, and apologised for any upset caused.

Phil Richardson, director of governance and recreation at the Town Hall, said: “We understand that our contractor failed to open the gates at Oaston Road Cemetery until mid-day on New Year’s Day and that this caused problems for some visitors.

“The mistake was simply down to human error and we apologise on behalf of our contractor, who rectified the problem immediately it was reported.

“We have reminded our contractor of the importance of opening the gates on time, especially at this time of year when many families wish to visit the graves of loved ones. Once again, we are sorry for any distress and inconvenience caused.”