Burnley Council to better inspect and repair headstones after 4-year-old-boy died
Stricter measures are being taken after a child's tragic death due to a fallen gravestone
Safety measures at an East Lancashire borough’s cemeteries have been upgraded to prevent any repeat of a horrific July accident in which a four-year-old boy died.
Burnley Council has stepped up inspections and repairs of memorials and headstones at its municipal graveyards.
The new Memorial Safety Policy comes after the tragic death of the child at Rossendale Council’s Rawtenstall Cemetery in Burnley Road on July 5 when a gravestone fell onto him.
The updated policy introduces extra resources for inspections and repairs – including recruiting a new member of staff and buying specialist equipment for handling large monuments and statues.
It will see temporary fencing installed in part of Burnley Cemetery on Rossendale Road to protect the public from large, older memorials until they can be properly checked and made safe.
Burnley’s cemeteries contain many historic memorials, some more than 100 years old.
The tallest headstones, often over 2.5 metres high and dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, are at greater risk of becoming unstable as their fixings weaken over time.
Many of these are located in the lower section of Burnley Cemetery, where graves are rarely visited.
To reduce risks, this area will be securely fenced off with green mesh fencing.
Families who need access will still be able to arrange escorted visits through the cemetery office.
The Council carries out inspections and installs temporary supports to memorials where needed.
To speed up this important work, Burnley Council will be recruiting an additional Memorial Safety Operative, training more staff, and investing in specialist equipment.
This will allow inspections and repairs to be carried out more quickly and safely, while reducing the need for manual handling of heavy memorials.
Burnley Council’s health and culture boss Cllr Jack Launer said: “We know how important cemeteries are to families and to the history of Burnley.
“At the same time, we must make sure they are safe places for people to visit and for our staff to work in.
“Some of the tallest, oldest headstones are particularly at risk, which is why we are fencing off certain areas while we complete thorough inspections.
“This is about protecting the public, respecting those laid to rest, and making sure these important spaces are cared for properly.
“Cemetery maintenance and safety is a responsibility we take very seriously.”
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