Safety pledge as graves facing ‘stability tests’
Programme for district cemeteries over coming months
ENSURING the safety of everyone visiting or working in cemeteries across the Staffordshire Moorlands is a priority, district councillors have pledged.
A rolling programme of memorial safety testing has been put in place to assess the stability of memorials and, where necessary, put measures in place to address any safety issues identified.
Work will be taking place in cemeteries and the closed churchyards the council is responsible for across the Moorlands over the coming months.
A Faculty Notice application has been made to Lichfield Diocese and work can only begin once this is approved.
Notices advising that this work is due to happen will be posted on site at all closed churchyards and consecrated areas before the safety testing begins.
Trained employees will carry out the assessment work and, if necessary, carry out temporary measures to make memorials safe using a stake and a band. Notices will be posted detailing the reasons why the memorial has been assessed as unsafe together with contact details for further information.
Cabinet member Bill Cawley said: “This is important work which protects everyone and I would like to reassure everyone with memorials to loved ones in cemeteries that it will be carried out with the utmost respect and sensitivity.
“The sole aim of the assessments is to keep people safe. Every effort will be made to contact the families of the memorials affected and we will offer advice on necessary repairs. I’d like to thank people for their understanding whilst we carry out this essential work.”
If a memorial remains unrepaired after six months, it will be partially sunk for safety until the family arranges for a registered mason to carry out the repairs.
People can find out more about memorial safety testing on the council’s website, along with answers to frequently asked questions.
Councillor Bill Cawley, right