Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Memorial safety inspections are set to get underway in burial grounds across South Tyneside this summer.

Next month (June), Â鶹ÊÓƵ is beginning a five-year rolling programme of work to test the stability of memorials across its six main cemeteries and closed churchyards.

The memorial safety inspections will start in Whitburn - one of the Council's smaller cemeteries, to test new working procedures and their effectiveness before moving onto other sites.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change, said: "These inspections are important to ensure that our burial grounds continue to be safe places for people paying their respects and for our staff working in these spaces.

"Alongside many councils across the country, we are carrying out inspections to assess the condition of memorial stones. These will be carried out by qualified professionals in accordance with national guidelines. A gentle hand push test will be performed to assess stability.

"Of the 30,000 memorial stones in our cemeteries and churchyards, we expect there will be some issues and where issues are identified, we will take steps to make the memorials safe and place a discreet warning sign in front.

"We make every effort to trace the owners of any unsafe memorials, advising them of the situation and explaining what they need to do to make them safe. Please appreciate that this may not always be possible if we don't have their details.

"Memorials are not just grave markers but places to grieve, reflect and remember our loved ones. We want to reassure residents that this work is being done with the greatest respect and sensitivity. We understand that work of this nature may be upsetting to families and we apologise in advance for any distress this may cause."

If a memorial is found to be unsafe, the Council will undertake a sensible, proportionate temporary 'make-safe' measure.

However, if a memorial is deemed critically unsafe, and 'make-safe' measures are unsuitable, the memorial will be laid flat with the inscription facing up. It is important to note that the Council does not intend to lay down any memorials. This would only be done as a last resort where all other options are unsuitable.

Members of the public should not approach a memorial where a warning sign is located or make any attempt to repair a stone themselves.

Memorial owners are responsible for arranging a permanent repair. Repairs must be undertaken by a professional stonemason, working within the Council's Cemetery Rules and Regulations.

Cemetery visitors are also advised not to touch any memorials. Parents should take care to ensure their children do not enter cemeteries unsupervised.

Anyone with any concerns about the inspection programme can contact Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Bereavement Services on (0191) 427 3190 or email memorialsafety@southtyneside.gov.uk

Further information about the memorial inspection programme including temporary make-safe methods is available on the Council's website at