FAMILIES are outraged and taking action after saying loved ones' graves were destroyed and paved over to make room for a car park.
Cops are investigating after headstones were allegedly removed from outside a chapel in Powys in Wales.
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Families say gravestones have been removed while making way for a car park Credit: WNS
Relatives say they were taken away while providing room for a car park.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they were investigating "a report of criminal damage" at the Bethany Chapel in Kerry, near Newtown.
The chapel shut about 20 years ago and planning permission was granted last year for a car park and driveway to be built on neighbouring land.
The work has now finished but families were dismayed to discover plots had allegedly disappeared from the burial ground.
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The building's owners Dolafon Gospel Hall Trust, part of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, insist no graves have been lost.
Among those speaking out are the White Lewis family, who have grandparents and great-grandparents in the graveyard.
They say a headstone for grandparents John Davies Lewis and Olive Lewis is now missing.
The family said: "We are all shocked and deeply upset.
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"None of us have had any communication regarding our opinions on this completely inappropriate development.
"We call for reassurance and evidence that our loved ones' remains have not been disturbed or even taken away."
Jackie Davies, who also has family graves there, told Sky News: "It's clear that they've been disturbed, it's clear that headstones have got posts put through into the graves.
"It's all very traumatic, it's all very disturbing to see - it's sickening to see."
Powys County Council said it was investigating whether planning consents have been breached, after being "made aware of concerns".
The authority said: "Works to any graves would require separate consent from the Home Office and the agent was made aware of this requirement.
"Planning permission has since been granted for the change of use of land to form a parking area and formation of vehicular access in June 2022.
"This application did not seek to relocate any further gravestones."
A spokesman for the Dolafon Gospel Hall Trust, part of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, said planning permission was granted when the building was under previous ownership.
They added: “Members of our congregation have lived and worked in the area for many years.
"Guided by our Christian faith, our priority has always been to be good neighbours and support the local community, including through extensive charitable activity.
“We understand that some relatives of those laid to rest on the grounds of the Bethany Chapel are concerned by our restoration works.
"We wish to reassure all that we deeply value the sanctity of places of worship and that all works have meticulously adhered to the planning consent granted by Powys County Council.
"Throughout the delivery of this important restoration, we have been sensitive to the views of the community.
"Given the ongoing concerns, we have decided to suspend all activity on site while we review what further steps we can take to ensure that these works are delivered with the utmost respect and compassion.
“We take all feedback extremely seriously. We remain in dialogue with the council to ensure that the restoration is delivered sensitively and appropriately while also ensuring that all options to restore the Bethany Chapel as a place of worship are thoroughly considered."
The trust also said they had not been contacted by police.
Dyfed-Powys Police today said enquiries were still ongoing.
Powys last month topped a table ranking Britain's most dangerous roads.
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The area is home to former Neighbours actor Mark Little who has played for a local cricket team after moving here from Australia.
Meanwhile, more upset around a graveyard was caused recently when a ULEZ camera was installed close to a cemetery in east London.
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Police are investigating the complaints made about the Bethany Chapel in Wales Credit: WNS 4
Letters complaining to the building's owners have been left on graves Credit: WNS 4
Planning permission was granted for a new driveway approaching the church Credit: WNS