South Tyneside Council issues warning over work on ‘potentially unsafe’ memorials
Members of the public are being asked to not carry out work on memorials in South Tyneside cemeteries.
South Tyneside Council has issued a safety warning to members of the public over carrying out work to graves and memorials in cemeteries across South Tyneside.
The local authority has stated that some memorials may have experienced ground movement and weathering, which can cause them to loosen or topple.
Due to this, the Council says that it has a programme in place to regularly inspect memorials and take action where needed to make them safe.
A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said: “Our cemeteries are special places for reflection and remembrance, and our priority is to keep them safe for visitors, families and our staff.
“Across the borough, all cemeteries may contain memorials that have become unstable over time.
“Even memorials that appear small or secure can pose a risk, as ground movement and weathering can cause them to loosen or topple, potentially leading to serious injury.
“For safety reasons, members of the public must not carry out work on memorials.
“A memorial may look stable, but only a trained professional can properly assess whether it is safe to clean, repair or restore.
“If work is needed, it should always be carried out by a qualified, insured memorial stonemason, who has the appropriate training and equipment to do the job safely.
“We know these matters are sensitive, and we appreciate residents’ understanding as we work to protect everyone who visits our cemeteries.”
“Thank you for helping us keep these important spaces safe and respectful for all.”