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Last Updated: Sunday, 4 April, 2004, 14:11 GMT 15:11 UK
Headstones undergo safety checks
People are being warned they can expect headstones to be laid flat if they are found to be dangerous following grave inspections in Staffordshire.

The council is now in the final phase of safety checks at Silverdale Cemetery.

So far, 1,500 memorials have been tested but the council said there are still another 900 waiting to be examined.

Safety checks on the remaining headstones will begin next Tuesday.

The whole review is due to be completed by late summer.

The council says any dangerous memorials will be laid flat and relatives will be contacted at their last known address.

They will be given the choice of either having the headstone re-erected by a memorial mason or being lowered by a third into the grave space.


SEE ALSO:
Apology for graves row families
29 Oct 03  |  Manchester
Safety checks for cemetery stones
31 Mar 03  |  England
Mourners upset by grave warnings
12 Dec 01  |  England



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