Memorial stability testing

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 requires all burial authorities to ensure that memorials are safe. This is to reduce the potential for injury to those visiting and working in the cemetery.

From Monday 11 November 2024, Westerleigh, who manage our cemeteries, will start to test the stability of each memorial. This will be in: 

• Forest Park
• Barkingside
• Barkingside Gardens of Rest
• Roding Lane Cemetery

The testing will check whether memorials can withstand a reasonable pressure, which may be applied by users of the cemetery. For example, if someone slips and uses the memorial to try and steady themselves. 

It'll involve visual inspections of the memorials for signs of instability as well as by a nationally recognised hand test.

 

If your memorial is unstable

It may be temporarily laid down or cordoned off. 

If your memorial is showing signs of instability, but is not an immediate threat, it'll be assessed again in 12 months.

The provisions of the Local Authorities Cemeteries Order 1977 Article 3 empowers us to make safe dangerous memorials.

Westerleigh will attempt to contact the last known grave owner in accordance with the records that are held.

 

Making your memorial safe

Grave owners and their families have a responsibility to make sure their memorial remains in good repair.

If you're notified that your memorial needs attention, you should contact an approved stonemason for which the mason will charge a fee. Please do not attempt to repair or remove a memorial yourself.

We apologise in advance for any distress this may cause.

 

How you can help

• Keep your contact details up to date
• Be aware that cemeteries are potentially dangerous places. Stay on the footpaths and avoid touching any memorials. Children should be supervised at all times.  

If you have any queries regarding the process or your memorial, please contact Forest Park Office on 020 8501 2236.