From Jill Tizzard

Sir, - Further to the report "Reserved grave space: ruling" (News, 10 April): in 2011, my aunt, aged 90, was buried in a small village in Hampshire, where she had lived throughout her life. The plot was situated in a parish-council-run cemetery, which abuts the local churchyard. (When space ran out in the churchyard, ground was acquired by the council, which now administer both areas.)

Two weeks after the committal, I was contacted, to be told that my aunt had inadvertently been buried in a reserved grave, and the body would have to be exhumed. Despite being offered alternative adjacent plots, the family, who had reserved the space, insisted on their rights, and we were advised that we had little choice but to comply.

Members of our family asked to be present when the body was moved, but, on arriving at the given time, found that a mini digger had already been employed, and that the coffin, which had been damaged, had been placed in the new grave.

Obviously, distress was caused not only to members of our family, but also to those who had reserved the plot, and to the unfortunate person who had mistakenly allocated the original plot.

I hope that this letter might further explain, to any who feel aggrieved at being unable to reserve burial plots, the wisdom of the Grappenhall PCC's decision.

Jill Tizzard
Chy Tresor, Cambrian Way
Blaenannerch
Cardigan
Ceredigion SA43 2BW