The Chairman of Kingswear Parish Council denies that the position of a new cemetery gate has been agreed.

Jan Henshall, confirmed that a resolution to put in a new gate in Kingswear Cementer was passed at the last meeting but says no agreement was reached as to where the gate will be installed.

She said: “If allowed, the proposed kissing gate would be at the end of the existing path through the cemetery, between the graves, where the existing path currently ends at a wall and a seat in front of it.

“This would mean it leads into a field where there are animals horses and sheep. The Parish Council Clerk has written to the owners of the field to seek their views.

“Where Councillor Hawkins proposes to put the gate is not suitable as it will mean moving graves. Any path has to be about 9 feet wide under current legislation. This being the case, it means that graves will have to be moved. You cannot move graves for a path and it is disrespectful to walk over them,”

Mrs Henshall’s statement was confirmed by the Clerk to the Parish Council, David Edwards, who said: “It is my understanding that the Council did not approve any access point at this stage.

“I was instructed to speak to the neighbouring landowners to ask if they would agree to a path entering their land at the end of the current gravel cemetery path. I have contacted the landowners and they are not prepared to allow this access.”

However, Jonathan Hawkins has stated that there is a place for the gate that does not require entry into the neighbours field. He has obtained a quotation for the work and it is less than £400.

The topic will be on the agenda for the next parish council meeting.