Safety inspection for memorials in Raunds cemeteries to be completed next month

The town council manages these cemeteries, including grounds maintenance and cemetery memorials, and will be doing the checks on February 11 and 12.

Under the Local Authorities Cemeteries Order 1977, the town council is empowered to take immediate action to make safe dangerous memorials.

A council spokesman said: “The inspections and any necessary making-safe works will be undertaken by a suitably qualified specialist contractor, trained and competent in cemetery memorial stability inspection and remedial works in accordance with NAMM and ICCM guidance.

"Any memorials assessed as unsafe and posing an immediate risk to the visiting public will be made safe by the council's contractors.

"The owners of the affected memorials will be notified in writing at their address registered with the cemetery.

"Memorials found to be unsafe but not considered an immediate danger will be identified by a notice fixed to the memorial stating the memorial is a potential danger and that it should not be touched. The owners of these memorials will also be notified in writing.

"All private graves and their memorials should be kept in good repair by their owners.

"Notice will be sent to the owner if repairs are required.

"If repairs are not completed within six months, the town council may carry out the repairs or remove the memorial at the expense of the owner.

"Reinstatement of the memorial will also be at the expense of the owner. If you are concerned about the safety of a memorial you own, you should consult and employ a registered monumental mason.”

The council has said all inspections and any necessary works will be carried out with ‘due care, sensitivity and respect’ for the dignity of the cemetery and those commemorated.

For more information about the survey, email the town clerk at [email protected], write to The Hall, Thorpe Street, Raunds, NN9 6LT or call 01933 622087.