A family grieves as Rhyl residency rules prevent their grandmother’s burial next to her husband, despite her deep connection to the town.
Gwen was born in Rhyl in 1929. She later lived there with her husband, Louis, and together they ran guest houses. After Louis died, she bought a shop.
Gwen moved to Gronant in 1984, however, she kept her Rhyl connections. The move prevents her burial in Rhyl’s cemetery now, where her husband and parents are buried.
The council has a residency rule that new graves are for Rhyl residents only. This rule started back in 2006 and manages space, however, you can bury ashes in family plots though.
The family doesn’t want to open those old graves, and they say a 19-year-old report dictates this. It states residents must live in Rhyl two years before death, and now, the family want the council to show compassion.
They want individual reviews, not just a blanket rule. The granddaughter, Louisa, is upset because Gwen loved Rhyl. She always felt pride in her roots.
Her wish was to be buried there, but, it seems like the council is saying no. Denbighshire County Council knows the family’s wishes and sends their deepest regrets.
Spaces are limited at Maeshyfryd Cemetery, and the Rhyl residency rule exists because of this. It helps them manage space fairly.