MEMORIAL/HEADSTONE SAFETY checks
Caistor Town Council will be carrying out memorial safety checks in the churchyards of St Peter’s and St Paul’s, and the Congregational Chapel during November and December 2025. This may require us to place notices by some memorials that are identified as unsafe. This document provides information on why and how we test, what action may be taken where unsafe memorials are identified, and who to contact for further information.
Why are we testing memorials?
In 2001 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a “Be Respectful, Be Safe” campaign to improve the safety of cemeteries and churchyards. Local authorities responsible for burial grounds are asked to carry out regular safety checks to ensure memorials remain stable and do not pose a risk to visitors or staff. Sadly, across the country there have been serious accidents, including fatalities, linked to unsafe memorials.
What do the safety tests involve?
All inspection and testing will be carried out by trained staff using methods recommended by the memorial mason industry and professional associations.
The inspection consists of two stages:
- Visual inspection – to identify memorials that may be unsafe or too fragile to test manually.
- Manual test – a gentle hand test to see if there is movement. In rare cases, a mechanical topple tester may be used.
What happens if we find a problem?
Where a memorial is identified as unsafe, Caistor Town Council will:
- Place a safety notice by the memorial.
- Mark, cordon, or carefully support the memorial where necessary.
- In very dangerous situations, we may temporarily lay the memorial flat to prevent risk of harm.
Although the Town Council has a duty of care to ensure churchyards are safe, the responsibility for maintaining memorials normally rests with the families of those commemorated. In closed churchyards, where families are often no longer contactable, the Town Council will take proportionate action to manage immediate risks.
Can repairs be organised privately?
Where relatives are known and wish to arrange repairs, these must be carried out by an approved and appropriately qualified memorial mason, working to national safety standards. Families should also notify the Council before work begins.
What will the Council not do?
The Council will not remove memorials from their plots. We will only lay a memorial flat if it presents an immediate and serious hazard.
What if owners cannot be traced?
If owners or descendants cannot be contacted, the Town Council will take appropriate action to make the memorial safe. Care will be taken to avoid damaging inscriptions or features so that future restoration is possible.
How have visitors been informed?
Notices will be displayed at the entrances to the churchyards to let visitors know that safety checks are taking place.
Will checks be carried out again?
Yes. Memorial safety checks are part of an ongoing programme. Churchyards will continue to be monitored to ensure public safety.
For further information, please contact the Town Clerk:
Tel: 07578 422667
Email: clerk@caistortowncouncil.gov.uk