Memorial inspections to take place in council cemeteries

An inspections program of memorials in Powys County Council's cemeteries is set to begin next month, aimed at ensuring these sites are safe places for visitors.

The initiative was recently announced to ensure the safety of those visiting cemeteries across the county.

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Inspecting contractors will categorize the memorials into three distinct groups based on their condition.

• Category 1: These memorials are deemed unsafe and require immediate attention to rectify any potential hazards.
• Category 2: Memorials in this classification are unstable but do not pose an immediate risk to health and safety.
• Category 3: Memorials categorized as stable and in good condition, requiring no immediate action.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said:

"Specialist staff will be carrying out inspections as part of a county programme and any memorial that is identified at risk of falling will be laid down or made safe by other means.

"We appreciate that many people care about the memorials to their loved ones and we want people to be aware that these inspections are underway.

"We have to be sure that our cemeteries are a safe place to visit and any memorials that are potentially dangerous are made secure."

A Category 1 memorial will be addressed immediately at the time of inspection, with a red notice affixed to notify visitors of its unsafe status. Category 2 memorials will have an amber notice placed on them, indicating a need for attention. If unresolved after six months, action will be taken to secure them further.

The council has put up information signs at the cemetery entrances where inspections will be carried out, although they will not be identifying grave owners.

For more details on the inspections or to seek further information, residents can reach out to the council's Environmental Protection Service at environmental.protection@powys.gov.uk or by calling 01938 551300.