Police have confirmed that they are investigating whether a criminal offence has taken place at a rural chapel near Newtown where work has taken place this summer to lay a new driveway.

It comes after Powys County Council and relatives of people buried at Bethany Chapel in Hodley, near Kerry reported the possible disturbance of graves to the police following continued work at the site last week which involved a wooden pole being erected into a grave for a new fence along the driveway leading to the chapel.

The Dolafon Gospel Hall Trust, who applied for planning permission, said there has been "absolutely no disturbance to the graves as we deliver this important restoration work".

A spokesperson for The Dolafon Trust said: “We have not been informed of any police investigation in relation to this site. It would not be appropriate to comment on any other live investigations, other than to say there has been absolutely no disturbance to the graves as we deliver this important restoration work.

“Delivering the work at Bethany Chapel with the utmost respect and compassion remains our firm priority, and we have meticulously adhered to planning permission granted by Powys County Council at all times.”

OTHER NEWS:

Earlier this week Dyfed-Powys Police said it received reports which were being evaluated "currently being evaluated as to whether a criminal offence has been committed".

Powys County Council said it has also informed the Ministry of Justice and an open planning enforcement case is investigating whether the works - first reported by the County Times two weeks ago - comply with planning permissions that were approved by the local authority.

Eight surviving great-grandchildren of William White and his wife Martha have called on Powys County Council and Dyfed-Powys Police to stop all work on-site immediately and seal the Hodley graveyard.

"The only appropriate action to follow should be a complete restoration and rededication of the graveyard to its former condition so that our family members can once again rest in peace."

A family member, who wishes to remain anonymous, who has a relative buried in the graveyard said: "This suggests to me not only a lack of professional competency but also moral dignity.

"Out of respect for the deceased, I am willing to be the voice of those who are no longer with us in this disgraceful and callous act of destruction but cannot help but feel appalled that this should be asked of an individual.

"Had those concerned at Powys County Council conducted the process in a fair and transparent way, this would never have been necessary, and a great deal of time and distress could have been prevented."

County Times:

This week, Powys County Council said: “Planning permission was granted for the change of use of land to form a parking area and formation of vehicular access in June 2022 (planning application reference 21/0237/FUL). This and the approved plans can be viewed on the Council’s Planning Portal.

“The council has an open planning enforcement case in relation to this site and is in the process of investigating whether works undertaken on site, including the erection of wooden poles, are in compliance with the approved planning permission(s).

“The council has informed the Ministry of Justice and the police regarding possible disturbance to graves.”