Stroud District Council to carry out memorial safety testing in July

Stroud District Council will carry out essential safety testing of memorials in two closed cemeteries this July to help ensure they remain safe for visitors.

Specialist contractors will undertake testing at St Mary Magdalen’s, Rodborough and Chancel Arch Church, Woodchester during the week commencing 13 July.

The council understands that memorial safety testing can be a sensitive issue for grave owners and families. All work will be carried out respectfully and in line with national guidelines.

Cllr Martin Pearcy, Chair of SDC Environment Committee, said:

“We have a duty to ensure that cemeteries and graveyards we are responsible for are safe. Memorials are often very heavy and when they become unstable they can pose a real risk of injury.”

Memorial testing involves two stages: a visual inspection followed by a gentle stability test. Inspectors are trained in appropriate methods to protect memorials while treating them with dignity. These checks are a legal responsibility for burial authorities, following national guidance and past incidents where unstable memorials have caused serious accidents.

St Mary Magdalen’s is the largest closed cemetery managed by the council. Although the cemetery is classified as closed, meaning it no longer accepts new burials, the churchyard remains in regular use for services including weddings and funerals.

Chancle Arch Church, Woodchester is also a site of historical interest, with a Roman mosaic located beneath the ground that attracts some visitors.

Cllr Pearcy explained:

“Where a memorial is found to be unsafe, a temporary notice will be attached explaining how relatives can contact the council to arrange repairs. These notices also act as a visual warning for visitors. Our officers will provide guidance to families on how to make memorials safe.”

In cases where it has not been possible to contact families, and a memorial is assessed as posing an immediate risk, it may be carefully laid flat to prevent accidents. Once a hazard has been identified, the council cannot leave it in place and must take action to remove the risk.

Responsibility for the maintenance of a memorial usually rests with the owner or the person who commissioned it. However, many memorials are several decades old and ownership details are often out of date. In these circumstances, the council as landowner has a duty to act in the interests of public safety.

Stroud District Council is responsible for around 2,000 memorials across eight cemeteries, including Brimscombe Cemetery; St Cyr’s, Stonehouse; St Mary’s, Rodborough; Christchurch, Chalford; St Mary Magdalen’s, Berkeley; Holy Trinity, Brimscombe; St Michael and All Angels, Bussage; and Woodchester Cemetery.

If a memorial belonging to your family is identified as unsafe, you can contact the council on 01453 766321 or email community.services@stroud.gov.uk.

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