Inspections of memorials - Cemetery safety
As part of the full review of the Councils regulations in the
Boroughs cemeteries in 2004 inspections to approx.
9,000 memorials were carried out by an independent
consultant .
Since 2004 with the help of plot holders and approval from the
Executive Committee of the Council there has been great
strides forward in making safe/repairing unstable memorials.
Currently there are very few temporary posts and strappings
left. A rolling programme continues to be in place. All
memorials tested in 2008 were found to be safe.
In January 2009 the Ministry of Justice brought out guidance
in this subject. Havant along with many other Council's welcomed
this. The inspection regime is being conducted with this guidance
as a guide.
Anyone requiring further information or wishing to report
about the condition of their memorial should contact the Borough
Councils Cemeteries Service on 023 9244 6425.
Summary of accidents relating to memoeials 1982-2003
3 year old boy crushed by gravestone - Fatal (Wear
Valley)
2 year old child injured by falling gravestone - non fatal
(Sunderland)
2 year old child injured by falling gravestone - non fatal
((Preston)
4 year old child trapped by falling headstone - non fatal
(Westminster)
20 months child, struck by recently erected headstone - non
fatal (Plymouth)
3 year old child, trapped by fallen headstone - non fatal
(Port Talbot)
5 year old child, crushed by memorial - non fatal
(Chester)
Young man killed in a Salford Churchyard - fatal (2003)