SAFETY TESTS FOR MEMORIALS IN COUNCIL CEMETERIES: BRIGG BLOG EXPECTS OURS TO BE INCLUDED

FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

A programme of inspections to assess and test memorials in North Lincolnshire cemeteries will commence later this year. This follows a number of high profile incidents that have occurred nationally as a result unstable memorials.
To ensure a consistent approach to memorial safety, in line with national guidance, a memorial safety policy has been implemented for cemeteries managed by North Lincolnshire Council. A programme of regular inspections will be publicised and take place over the next five years.
Responsibility for unsafe memorials theoretically lies with the owner. However, as time goes on they become increasingly difficult to locate. There are around 30,000 headstones in council managed cemeteries across North Lincolnshire. The council has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its employees, contractors and visitors to the cemeteries.
Memorials will be risk assessed in accordance with national principles that replicate the force of a person falling, pushing or pulling against a memorial. Due to the number of memorials that need testing, the programme will be undertaken as part of a five year rolling programme.
Where testing needs to be undertaken on consecrated land, the relevant Diocese will be contacted. Reasonable steps will also be taken to inform grave owners and members of the public prior to inspections and where the danger has been removed from unsafe memorials.
Tested memorials will be placed into one of three categories; ‘requires immediate action’, ‘repair within six months’ or ‘pass’ (reassessed in five years).
Unsafe memorials will be made safe by staking and/or signage, or laid flat. Inspections and remedial action will be undertaken by trained individuals. No attempt should be made to repair or remove any memorial except by a properly qualified memorial mason.
A small number of grave stones at Barton Cemetery have been laid down near walkways after concerns were raised.
Coun Neil Poole, Cabinet Member for Environment at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Following an inspection at Barton Cemetery, we have identified a number of grave stones that are unsafe. We have taken the decision to lay these grave stones down to make sure they are safe and don’t pose any risk. Laying flat is done as a last resort and the inscription is left visible. We will try contact any friends or family members, however some of the grave stones are very old, so this may not be possible.
“Memorials could be reinstated but this would cost a lot. For example, if 5 per cent of the 30,000 headstones in our cemeteries needed remedial work to stand up, this would cost up to £500,000. However, if the memorial is of historic significance, we will consider carrying out the repair.
“Memorials have been erected on graves since Victorian times as a reminder of those buried there. Unfortunately, the assumption that these memorials are permanent structures, installed to the highest standards, has cost the lives of severally people nationally in recent years. Other people have been significantly injured. We want to reduce this risk in North Lincolnshire. All new memorials must be installed to industry standards.
“If you have any questions about maintaining memorials our Bereavement Services team will be happy to help. They can provide a list of qualified memorial masons. They can be contacted on crematorium@northlincs.gov.uk or 01724 747555.”

NF ADDS: Brigg Cemetery (pictured above), off Wrawby Road, is extensive. A joint burial board serving Brigg and Wrawby was created in Victorian times. The cemetery has been a council managed facility for decades, responsibility now resting with the North Lincolnshire unitary authority.