A grieving daughter has branded Castle Point Council uncaring after it charged her double the usual rate to bury her father.

Shirley Syrett, of Appleton Road, Benfleet, was shocked when told it would cost her twice the normal amount to open a double plot in Woodside Cemetery, Benfleet, so her father could be buried alongside his wife.

Her father, George Mankelow, formerly of Clifton Avenue, Benfleet, died at the age of 89 in a Kent nursing home on January 4 after suffering a stroke.

He wanted to be buried in Woodside next to his wife, Minnie.

Shirley, 64, said: "Twenty-two years ago my parents moved to Castle Point and loved it. Unfortunately my mother died three years later and my father had her buried in a double plot at the cemetery with the obvious intention of them being together at the end.

"Life went on for dad and then a few years ago his sight deteriorated badly. He managed a few years at home with help from the family, then as his health and sight grew worse decided to move into a residential home.

"There is no specialist home for the blind in Castle Point so he went to the nearest RNIB home in Westgate, Kent."

Mr Mankelow's is being buried at Woodside Cemetery on Friday.

But because he lived out of the area for more than six months, Mrs Syrett was told she would have to pay £672 to open it instead of £336.

A spokesman for the funeral directors, A W Alden and Son, in High Road, Benfleet, which is dealing with the arrangements said it was normal for somebody outside the area to pay double.

Gerald Snook, of Castle Point Council's leisure department which looks after the cemetery, said: "All cemeteries are subsidised by council taxpayers. If somebody leaves the district for more than six months they have not contributed.

"The charge is double if someone is from outside the area.

"It is the same for all councils across the country and the rule has been in force since 1917."

Mrs Syrett said: "It seems to make no difference the plot was bought and paid for or my father paid his rates to Castle Point for 20 years.

"The move to another area was made out of necessity not choice and I feel it's a no win situation as to carry out my father's wishes I must pay the stated price."

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