FOLLOWING recent newspaper articles and social media posts, the Diocese of Exeter has made the following statement regarding the churchyard at Lapford Parish Church.

“We are extremely grateful for the countless number of volunteers who help maintain our parish churches and churchyards, ensuring that they are places of welcome and peace for the communities they serve.

“We are sorry when there is some local disagreement such as is the case in Lapford.

“When this is the situation, we will listen to all those involved.

“The management of Churches and Churchyards is controlled by numerous regulations, measures and legislation. 

“However, there is also some autonomy given to individual churches to make local decisions.”

The Venerable Andrew Beane, Archdeacon of Exeter said: “I visited Lapford on Friday, July 24, following reports that graves had been damaged due to work carried out by a mechanical digger.

“I met the Churchwarden and viewed the area in the far northeast end of the church.

“Clearly, considerable levelling of the area had taken place, but there was no evidence of any graves being damaged, disturbed or desecrated, as was suggested.

“The area was part of the churchyard that is no longer used for burials and all the graves that were affected were at least 100 years old.”

The Archdeacon when on to say: “Whilst I am sure that some may have found it distressing to have watched the mechanical digger working in the churchyard, this is now normal practice even for the digging of graves.

“I am convinced that the area is now in a state that means the PCC (Parochial Church Council) can continue to maintain it, and have been assured that the area will soon be set to grass.”

The Diocese added that if anyone still has concerns or would like to discuss the matter further, they are welcome to contact the Archdeacon of Exeter by email at: [email protected] or telephone 01392 425577.