PRESS RELEASE: Memorial testing to take place at Greatness Cemetery

Published: 11 April 2024

The first phase of testing will involve checking all the headstones following the latest guidance “Managing the Safety of Burial Ground Memorials” issued by the Burials and Cemeteries Advisory Group (January 2009).

Any headstone that fails will be risk assessed to determine the best way of making it safe. Unsafe memorials near to high risk areas such as pathways will be cordoned off and if in danger of imminent collapse, may be in the worst case be laid down. Warning signs will be displayed advising cemetery users.

The testing programme will start with the holding of a demonstration for the public at Greatness Cemetery on 13th May between 10am and 12 noon.

If you have any concerns or queries regarding the testing please contact the Open Spaces & Cemetery Manager on 01732 468 594 or via email: openspacesmanager@sevenoakstown.gov.uk

For more information on memorial stability testing please visit www.theCDSGroup.co.uk