Important
Notice: Upcoming Memorial Testing in the Cemetery
As part of our ongoing commitment to
maintaining a safe environment for all visitors and workers within the cemetery
grounds, we will soon be carrying out essential memorial testing. This process
is a crucial part of our health and safety obligations, ensuring that memorials
are secure and do not pose a risk to public safety and is undertaken every five
years as part of our routine maintenance programme.
Why is
Memorial Testing Important?
Memorials, over time, can become unstable due
to natural wear, weathering, and age, as well as significant changes to the legislation
for the installation of memorials. The safety of those who visit the cemetery
to pay their respects, as well as those who work to maintain the grounds, is
our top priority. Therefore, we are required to test the stability of these
memorials to identify any potential hazards that could result in injury.
Temporary
Measures: Staking Memorials
To ensure that memorials are safely secured
while we make arrangements for their repair, we will be temporarily staking the
memorials that do not meet the required safety standards. This temporary
measure is essential to reduce any risk of instability. While these stakes will
help keep the memorials upright, we want to reassure the public that our goal
is to repair and restore these memorials to their proper condition as quickly
as possible.
Alternative
Measures: Laying Memorials Flat
In some instances, the only alternative to
staking is to lay the memorials flat. We understand that this can be
distressing for families and loved ones, and we want to make it clear that this
is not our preferred course of action. We will avoid laying memorials flat
whenever possible and will work diligently to ensure that the necessary repairs
are made to maintain the memorials in an upright position.
Why This is
Necessary for Public Safety
The safety of visitors and those working on
the cemetery grounds is our primary concern. Memorials that are unstable can
pose a risk, particularly in high-traffic areas. By staking the memorials
temporarily, we can ensure that they remain secure until repairs can be made.
However, it is important to note that if the
stakes are removed prematurely or without following the correct procedures, the
parish council may have no choice but to close certain areas of the cemetery to
visitors for safety reasons while the necessary work is completed. We want to
avoid this situation, and we ask for your understanding and support as we carry
out these vital works.
Our
Commitment to Safety and Preservation
We are committed to ensuring that the cemetery
remains a safe, respectful, and beautiful place for all visitors. The memorial
testing and repair work will help us preserve the integrity of the cemetery
while fulfilling our health and safety obligations.
We understand that this process may cause some
concern, and we encourage families and visitors to contact us if they have any
questions or would like more information. We will continue to update the
community as the work progresses and appreciate your cooperation and
understanding during this necessary process.
Thank you for your support.
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