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.