A date has been set for the investigation into the Wingate grave blunder which saw the Bell family discover their dad had been buried in the wrong grave for 17 years.
The Diocese of Durham, which looks after burials at Holy Trinity Church Wingate where the shocking mix-up occurred, have faced increasing calls to hold an investigation into what happened.
Now the Diocese has confirmed that an investigation into the mistake will begin on November 1, and is likely to take a month.
Read more: Durham, Darlington and Teesside loved ones buried in 'wrong' graves
A spokesperson for the Durham Diocese said “The investigation into Holy Trinity Wingate will take place on November 1 and a report will be published once complete. It is hoped it will be concluded within a month.”
Speaking about the upcoming investigation, Tom Bell told The Northern Echo: “We’ve had a letter apologising for what happened, but it shouldn’t have ever happened in the first place.
“We need answers. I really hope we get some.”
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Last month (September 8) Easington MP Grahame Morris told fellow MPs how the Bell family endured a “heart-breaking” eight-week delay in burying Hilda as eleven graves were dug up at Holy Trinity Church, Wingate in search for their dad’s resting place.
Morris called for reforms to improve burial records, asking Conservative MP Andrew Selous, who acts as the Second Church Estates Commissioner: “Do you agree that we need to improve burial records with digital copies, introduce a new process for marking plots after burial, and have rules about the orderly organisation of plots in churchyards?”
Mr Selous replied: “(Mr Morris) is absolutely right that record-keeping is incredibly important and the Parochial Registers and Records Measure 1978 clearly states that records should be in fireproof places.
“His point about digital is also well made.
“The lessons learned inquiry will focus on best practice for all parishes.”
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