Corfe Castle Parish Council

Memorial Safety Checks

We have an on-going programme of memorial safety checks in our cemetery to make sure it is a safe place for you to visit.

When are the next safety checks due?

January 2025

Who will carry out the safety test?

The War Grave Commission will inspect headstones under their purview. All other memorials will be inspected by a trained member of staff or a Councillor.

Where we’ll be testing

Memorial safety checks take place in our cemetery, normally between December and January each year. Each memorial will be tested to make sure it’s not at risk of falling over and injuring someone.

We will aim to put up notices at the entrance to both sections of our cemetery around a month before the checks are due to begin.

What does the test involve?

The test will start with a visual inspection of the memorial, followed by a hand test. This will involve pressure being applied to the memorial to check for movement. In most cases, there will be no movement and a record will be kept that the memorial has passed the test.

If the memorial moves but locks in place (not continue to move if pressure continually applied) a record will be kept that the memorial passed the test but will need more regular monitoring.

If the memorial moves and does not lock in place and therefore may fall over, action may be taken to make the memorial and area safe. There is no legal obligation, however the Cemetery Clerk will make efforts to reach a family member to inform them of any action taken.

Other temporary fixes include:

Make it a monolith by sinking it by one third ·
Stake and bind (laminated information cards recommended) ·
Cordon off
The memorial may be laid down respectfully with the engraved details face up within the plot, although this is the last resort fix as this creates a trip hazard.

If the family wish to have the memorial repaired / re-instated, they are welcome to do this at their own cost but must contacted the Cemetery Clerk beforehand. Corfe Castle Parish Council are under no legal obligation to repair any memorial, as they are private property, however, should they so wish are able to under the Local Authorities’ Cemetery Order (LACO) 1977, (Duty to keep the Cemetery in good order and repair).

Duty of Care

Legal precedent states that the duty of care between the mason and the purchaser for a headstone lasts for 6 years. Within this period the purchaser can expect repairs free of charge. The grave owner is responsible for maintenance of the headstone. The Council is the landowner and therefore has a duty of care under Occupier Liability Acts.

If you have any questions, please contact the Cemetery Clerk.