Widower says wife's grave was 'violated' as church fits portable toilet in graveyard

A husband who found a portaloo next to his wife's grave at a church in says the discovery has left him heartbroken.

St John's Church in Perry Barr sparked fury amongst visitors after a vicar installed the portable toilets only yards away from the graves lining its churchyard. Vicar Rev Danny Payne, who only joined the church in September, apologised for the distress and said he would review the situation.

Payne said the portaloo was placed outside becuase the toilets used by congregations and visitors were currently unavailable, and essential temporary facilities at the site were needed. But the widower argued there was plenty of space elsewhere, and asked: "Would anyone wish for their loved ones to share their resting place with a toilet?"

The man, who chose not to be named, said his wife's grave had been "violated".

He told BirminghamLive: "I'm deeply upset my wife's resting place is being violated. If you look at the front doors to the church it's to the right and her grave is literally yards away. There are also war graves in there, which look awful with Remembrance Sunday looming.

"There's 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 . He's been there five minutes and it's 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?"

Rev Payne said in response: "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."