A vicar has sparked fury after installing a portable toilet just yards away from graves in a Birmingham churchyard.
Rev Danny Payne, who took the job at St John’s Church in Perry Barr in September, installed the toilet in the church grounds shortly after assuming his new role.
But the decision has greatly upset a grieving widower, who says the toilet’s close proximity to his wife’s grave has ‘violated’ her memory.
The widower, who asked not to be named, told BirminghamLive: ‘Im deeply upset that my wifes resting place is being violated. If you look at the front doors to the church its to the right and her grave is literally yards away. There are also war graves in there, which look awful with Remembrance Sunday looming.’
‘Theres no reason for the loo to be there. There are extensive grounds to the side of the church and workmen definitely do not use it as toilets still work within the church hall.
‘Rev Payne appears to wants to change the world. Hes been there five minutes and its utter chaos. I know there are plenty who find his actions deeply offensive. Would anyone wish for their loved ones to share their resting place with a toilet?’
The vicar said the temporary facilities were needed as the toilets used by congregations and visitors to the church were currently unavailable.
Rev Payne told BirminghamLive: ‘We are currently engaged in urgent work to address a structural defect at the St John’s Church Centre. During this closure, the church is also using the opportunity to undertake much-needed renovations, which we hope will benefit the entire Perry Barr community.
‘As a result of this ongoing work, the toilets used by both our congregations and visitors to the Church Centre are currently unavailable and so a portable toilet has been installed temporarily. However, finding a safe location was not straightforward. We note the concerns that have been raised and will review the situation.
‘We are truly sorry to hear this situation has caused distress and offence, as that was never our intention. Our aim is simply to provide essential temporary facilities.’
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