An undertaker in Oxford is taking the National Health Service to court, citing their 'unending efforts to save lives' as a reason behind his business going to the wall.
Stephens and Sons have been carrying out funerals in the city for 153 years, but now, it's current Managing Director Barry Stephens is having to call it a day.
"Too few people are dying these days and we just can't continue to operate as a successful business." he told reporters.
"We've got doctors who are saving more lives than ever before, combined with government drives to cut obesity rates, smoking, deaths on the roads while absolutely no consideration is given to those of us in the age old business of burying or burning people."
"My family has been conducting funerals of over 150 years. We've invested in some of the best coffins available, like our Winchester, which is made from the finest English oak, lined with mohair and supplied with the best quality titanium fittings. That constitutes the pinnacle of 4 generations of Stephens' technology and the Government is effectively consigning it to history."
Mr Stephens is asking Oxford County Court to hear the case in which he's seeking damages of £2 million pounds.
The NHS is refusing to comment, but a spokesman did say that considering Mr Stephens had a heart bypass 3 years ago, he's wanting to have his cake and eat it. Which he can do now, since the surgery was a success.
