Safety works to be carried out on unsafe memorials

The Council is set to begin essential safety work on unsafe memorials in Flintshire cemeteries this autumn.

About 650 memorials have been identified as unsafe and temporarily supported with wooden stakes. While these stakes provide short-term stability, they are not a permanent solution as they can be removed or deteriorate with time. The Council must now ensure a longer-term solution is put in place.

The first stage of the programme will focus on memorials currently supported by wooden stakes but not yet repaired. These memorials will have the stakes removed, be lifted from the grave, and then reinstalled in their original position to a depth of six to eight inches. The excavation will be backfilled and compacted to ensure stability and safety.

Where a memorial cannot be securely reset due to the presence of a concrete foundation, it will be carefully laid flat on the grave.

Families who have memorials currently supported by wooden stakes are advised to arrange repairs before this work begins.

Councillor Ted Palmer, Cabinet member with responsibility for cemeteries, said:

“Cemeteries should be safe, respectful spaces for families and visitors. This programme of work is a necessary step to ensure that our sites are safe for all.”