Memorial inspections

Memorial Testing

We are currently completing an on-going programme of memorial safety tests in our cemetery to make sure it is a safe place for you to visit. The programme is being introduced following a number of accidents, including some that have been fatal, that have occurred across the country in recent years.

We will be testing all memorials throughout the whole cemetery. Each memorial headstone will be tested to make sure it's not at risk of falling over and injuring someone.

A specially trained member of staff will start by doing a visual inspection of the memorial, followed by a hand test. This will involve pressure being applied to the memorial to check for movement. In most cases, there will be no movement and a record will be kept that the memorial has passed the test. If the memorial moves it will fail the test.

If the memorial fails the hand test it will be highlighted with caution tape. A member of staff will then contact the registered owner of the grave to inform them that it needs repairing. If there is not active registered owner for the grave the Council will make the memorial safe by lowing by a third.