A DAWLISH family are fed up after a dispute between insurance companies has left a loved one’s headstone in bits for nearly a year.

The relatives are angry that the gravestone has been left broken for 10 months and are now calling for someone to finally resolve the situation.

The problem started when a runaway car rolled onto the grave of Janet Rowe and her daughter Catherine last August. Now, almost a year later, the family are distressed to see the stones are still lying unrepaired and the grave overgrown.

Janet’s widower, David Rowe, said: ‘The first thing we knew was when we received a letter from Sophie Sercombe, Teignbridge Council’s cemeteries officer.

‘She told us a car had rolled back and hit Janet and Catherine’s headstone. We understand the handbrake failed. She assured us Teignbridge were dealing with the car owner’s insurance company.’

Mr Rowe and his sister-in-law Jennifer Roberts – Janet’s sister – assumed the matter was straightforward and would be resolved fairly quickly, and are surprised the issue is still rumbling on. The Rowe family now find themselves looking on as the insurance companies sort out who pays.

David said: ‘I’ve been in touch with the council many times since that first letter but there’s been no movement.’

Two other graves were damaged in the incident at Dawlish cemetery – a neighbouring upright headstone had its stone toppled over, and a flat grave which had been shifted sideways. It’s estimated the cost of replacing the smashed headstone alone will be more than £3,000.

The family assumed the problem would soon be put right, and had even been in touch with a local stonemason on the recommendation of the council.

‘We spoke about getting a nice granite headstone,’ David explained, ‘And thought it would be sorted out pretty soon’.

David continued: ‘However, the council is still in discussions with the driver’s insurers.

‘I suppose the driver’s got their car back on the road but we’re left with my family’s grave looking like this.

Janet’s sister, Jennifer said: ‘We’re not distraught at this but we are very angry. It’s a disgrace.’

A spokesman for the council said: ‘Teignbridge are pursuing an insurance claim for damages against the third party’s insurers to recover the costs of reinstating the damaged gravestones.

‘Despite our very best efforts there have been delays with the third party’s insurance company. We are working hard to bear pressure on them to get it resolved.

‘Our insurance team have made a number of attempts to get this resolved since the claim was lodged last August.

‘We completely understand that the time this is taking is upsetting for the families. It is in the hands of the relevant third party insurance companies and we hope they can resolve matters soon so the families are provided with peace of mind and closure.’

Meanwhile, Janet’s family are greeted with a sorry sight each time they pay their respects and wait in hope for an end to the long-running saga.

The Gazette has not been able to make contact with the car driver’s insurance company.