Middlewich Town Council regains control over its cemetery
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".
'Historic irregularities'
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."
Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC and follow BBC North West on X. For more local politics coverage, BBC Politics North West is on BBC One on Sunday at 10:00am and on BBC iPlayer.
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