Graveyard demand over poppy day

A DELPH graveyard at the centre of an access row could be open on Remembrance Sunday — if permission is granted

Paula Rothermel, who owns the former Delph Chapel, last week defended her right to restrict access to the adjoining graveyard.

Mrs Rothermel bought the property with her husband Jonathan Smith from the previous owner’s creditors but moved to Switzerland in 2007 with her children following his sudden death.

Villagers can currently gain access to the graveyard by visiting Bridges Estate Agents in Uppermill and borrowing a key.

However, Saddleworth Parish Councillor Ken Hulme said he wanted to know what arrangements had been made to allow people to visit the three Commonwealth War Graves in the Delph Independent Graveyard on Friday and Remembrance Sunday.

In an email to the estate agents, he said: “Along with others, I will be placing British Legion poppy crosses on the three war graves. I intend to do this on November 11.

“I also wish, along with others, to clean up and ensure access to all three graves.

“I intend to do this on Wednesday and will require access throughout the day.”

Mark Rose, partner at Bridges Estate Agent, said they currently opened Monday to Saturday, which could cause problems for people wanting to visit on a Sunday.

But as they were just the key holders for the graveyard during a three month period, there was nothing they could do without the owner’s permission.

He said: “We emailed Dr Rothermel yesterday and asked her permission to allow us to open the days that Councillor Hulme is asking for.

“Subject to permission these would be Wednesday, Friday and Remembrance Sunday, after which we would revert to having the keys for six days a week.

“However, we are in the owner’s hands and other than doing what we have been instructed to do, we can’t do anything else.”

Mr Rose said they would be more than happy to hear of any more suitable arrangements for where the key should be housed.