will continue its rolling programme of testing the

safety of memorials in its cemeteries by checking

memorials in Llanfoist Cemetery.

The council says it has an obligation to ensure

the safety of those visiting or working in its

cemeteries and checking of the stability of memorials

is an important part of that obligation. A

spokeswoman said, In recent times across the

country, unstable memorials caused three deaths and

at least eighteen other serious incidents have been

recorded.

The testing will be carried out by trained

employees who will use specially designed equipment

to apply pressure to each memorial. If the memorial

remains stable to a pre-determined level, it is deemed

to be safe. Those memorials which fail will be staked

and a band placed around them as a short-term

measure.

Notices will also be attached to the memorial to

provide information to family members who may visit

the cemetery with details of why the make-safe

system had been used and details of who to contact

for further information. The council will also make

efforts to contact where possible family members to

advise them of the steps they need to take to have the

memorial re-erected.

If a memorial has not been re-erected within six

months of test failure the council will sink the

memorial headstone to a third of its depth at the head

of the grave until family arrange to have it re-erected

by a Registered Memorial Mason.

A spokeswoman said, "The council recognises

that there is a potential for family members to become

upset in the event of a memorial being found to be

unsafe but it is hoped that those affected will

understand that the over-riding principle is to ensure

the safety of people visiting the cemetery."

If you have concerns about the stability of a

memorial or require further information you are asked

to contact John Griffiths at the Bryn y Cwm One Stop

Shop contact (01873) 735800.