To provide a safe environment for the public and staff, Halton Borough Council is carrying out memorial safety inspections in the Council’s three cemeteries.
This work is carried out according to guidance issued by the Institute of Cemeteries and Crematorium Management (ICCM).
Following an initial inspection of all memorials, inspections will then take place in a phased/prioritised programme in future years.
The Council understands that the memorial safety programme may cause concern to grave owners, relatives and the bereaved. If a memorial is found to be unsafe, we will make every effort to contact individual grave owners, provided that a current address is held on file.
Prior to safety testing, a notice will be displayed on the edge of the appropriate cemetery section to advise of pending memorial testing.
Each memorial will undergo a visual inspection, followed by a hand test in accordance with the Council’s Memorial Inspection Procedure. If a memorial is found to be unsafe, appropriate action will be taken to either temporarily secure it, or in a minority of cases where a memorial is found to present an immediate hazard, they will be laid down or possibly removed.
If you have any concerns about the safety of your memorial, or require any further information regarding the safety testing procedure, please contact the Cemetery Office via email to cemeteryenquiries@halton.gov.uk or in writing to:
Cemetery Office, Picow Farm Depot, Picow Farm Road, Runcorn, WA7 4UB.
Grave owners may also update their contact details by contacting Cemetery Office via email or post.