Change in Crematorium Rules Affecting Burial with Loved Ones
A woman has expressed distress after being informed she can no longer be buried alongside the ashes of her stillborn daughter due to new regulations at Margam Crematorium.
Starting next month, the crematorium will prohibit the burial of new ashes in the historic areas of its gardens of remembrance.
Katherine James, 58, from Port Talbot, who lost her stillborn daughter over 35 years ago, shared her heartbreak over the change.
"It's heart-breaking for families - I want to be with my little girl"
Neath Port Talbot Council explained that it is no longer feasible to locate suitable space next to previous interments without risking disturbance to existing remains.
The council stated it would provide alternative options in other sections of the crematorium gardens.
Katherine James’ Experience
When Katherine’s daughter, Carrie-Anne, was stillborn in 1989, her ashes were interred at Margam Crematorium.
Due to the updated rules, Katherine has been informed she cannot be laid to rest with her daughter.
Speaking outside the crematorium, she said:
"I buried my daughter's ashes here in 1989 on the understanding I could one day go in with her."
"Now I'm being told no," Katherine added.
"I've got a funeral plan at home that states that I am to go with my daughter, and the crematorium have told me no."
"I will never accept it, because my daughter was stillborn, and I have always known that I'm going with her."
"I want to be with my little girl," she said.
Katherine also lost her mother, Nina Morris, six years ago and currently keeps her ashes at home.
She reported being given only a few days to decide whether to bury her mother’s ashes with those of other family members.
She noted that some family members residing in Scotland are unable to attend the upcoming ceremony next Tuesday due to the short notice and inability to secure time off work.
"It's absolutely disgusting that they are doing this to families," Katherine said.
Wendy Williams’ Story
Wendy Williams, 61, lost her husband Steven, 56, a steelworker, to a rare cancer in 2019.
She expressed that she has been "completely devastated" by the rule changes, as her will specifies that she wishes for her ashes to be buried with her husband.
Wendy said she wanted to be "reunited" with her husband "at the end of her days" and has felt emotional considering that this may no longer be possible.
"It's a devastating blow," she said.
"I had to tell my sons last night I can't go in with their father - they were shocked," Wendy added.
Council Explanation for the Rule Change
Neath Port Talbot Council stated:
"The crematorium grounds can no longer accommodate further interments alongside previous remains."
The council explained that wet ground conditions prevent ashes from being scattered, as they "may not settle naturally or in a dignified way."
A spokesperson added:
"For many years, we have supported families to place cremated remains alongside loved ones within the gardens of remembrance.
Over time, however, the established burial areas within the gardens have become full, and it is no longer possible to find suitable space next to earlier interments without risking disturbance to existing remains."
The council emphasized that it has always sought to respect and honour individual family wishes and understands the significance of having loved ones remembered in particular locations.
It expressed regret that historic areas of the gardens can no longer accommodate further interments alongside previous remains.
The crematorium will continue to offer new interments in other sections of the gardens, with staff available to assist families in exploring options.
"We appreciate that this change may be difficult, and we thank families for their understanding and trust as we continue to care for the gardens of remembrance and all those remembered within them," the spokesperson concluded.
