After apologies for damage to a 400-year-old burial ground… - JA Cornish told: Carry on in the graveyard
Published: 21 May 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM
A BUILDING contractor criticised for damaging dozens of gravestones in a 400-year-old burial ground has been given the all-clear to finish the job.
JA Cornish Ltd has been given the green light to continue with the delicate job just a month after Westminster Council blamed the company for causing “unacceptable” damage to 18th and 19th-century headstones in St Mary’s Churchyard, Little Venice.
Many of the stones, discovered beneath the ground during the works, were irreparably damaged.
To complete the job the West End Extra has learned workers will drive heavy machinery onto the quiet green.
Architect Julyan Wickham, who witnessed the damage from his bedroom window on Good Friday, said: “I really don’t want to appear like I’m causing trouble but I would say it is highly questionable that these same builders who caused the damage should be allowed to continue.
“To me it is evidence of slipping standards because of privatisation. I have been assured the work is now being supervised and I am happy with the plan that has been set ahead.”
Residents have described the damage to the churchyard, where painter William Hogarth secretly wed Jane Thornhill in 1729, as “disgusting” and an insult to the families buried there. The work was suspended pending an official investigation which has now been closed.
Westminster Council has defended its decision to stick with the company despite criticism that not taking action would be a carte-blanche for other contractors to act irresponsibly.
The firm are being paid £45,000 to repair the walls of the historic churchyard.
A spokeswoman said: “Following discussions with the vicar of St Mary’s Church, the London Diocese, and the managing agent of St Mary’s Mansions, it was decided that in was in the best interests of all concerned to restart the work on this site.
“Failing to do so could lead to a costly and delayed process in fixing what could become an unstable and potentially dangerous wall. Our contractors have been given clear and strict guidance on how to handle further buried headstones and we will continue to hold regular reviews of the work on site. We are confident that this will ensure the work is carried out to the high standards that the council and London Diocese expects.”
They would not say how long JA Cornish have been on its approved list of contractors, who was responsible for hiring them or how much the delay had cost taxpayers.
West End Extra contacted John Cornish from JA Cornish Ltd but he said he was busy finishing the job and could not comment.
The council has launched a salvage operation, with the damaged stones being set aside for reburial at the base of the walls – a measure approved by the London Diocese and vicar Gary Bradley.
A diocese spokesman said: “The recommendations following the consultation have been agreed with Westminster Council [who have been responsible for the former churchyard’s maintenance since 1890] and the Chancellor of the Diocese of London and work has begun to ascertain whether there are more stones buried underground and to determine their archaeological importance.”