I cannot grieve at my son's grave

Wayne Cook plans to return the stone to Stephen Sloss, director of social services, and buy another to replace it.

Shane Cook, 13, had been living at a Blackburn with Darwen Council home in Anchor Avenue, Darwen, but died on March 16 after a 1.30am car smash.

His father Wayne, 41, of Leigh, says his son should not have been allowed out in Samlesbury when the accident happened as he was under social services' care.

He believes the headstone at Pleasington Cemetery, paid for by Blackburn with Darwen social services, is a reminder of why Shane's ashes are buried there.

He said: "Their charity is not wanted under the circumstances of how Shane died, I blame them. I won't visit my son's grave because they paid for the headstone without consulting me.

"It is their fault he is there and it's adding insult to injury.

"I begged and pleaded for them to put him in secure accommodation but they wouldn't."

Shane lived with his father until early 2002 when he went into care in Wigan. He later left to stay with his mother in Blackburn but was taken into the care of Blackburn with Darwen social services last November.

After Shane's death, Wayne criticised the result of a 14-page report into the social service department's handling of the case.

He said crucial questions about his care had been left unanswered.

After Shane's funeral Wayne says he was told social services would foot the bill.

He said: " I told the funeral directors 'I'm his father and I want to pay for it'.

"I found out later that social services had paid for a headstone and I went ballistic but could not do anything about it.

"I have spoken to Shane's mother and she is in agreement that we should replace it with one exactly the same but which I have paid for."

Stephen Sloss, director of Social Services, said: "We cannot comment on the circumstances of an individual case but should parents want more information, please contact us."