Sponsored by
Headstones review
18,000 memorials and headstones across Bedford Borough will have their futures reviewed in a health and safety blitz over the next six months.
Borough Hall bosses are responsible for thousands of memorials across the north of the county, but inspectors will be looking out for any safety problems.
Council chiefs have stressed that they understand that the site where a loved one is buried is an important and sensitive place, and that the vast majority of memorial will not be affected by the survey.
No headstones or memorials found to be in an unsafe condition will be removed immediately. In the case of memorials or headstones which are showing signs of decay or may be at risk of collapse, the families or loved ones will receive a letter explaining the options available to them.
The survey is due to begin in early October and is expected to be completed by March 2013.
Councillor Sarah-Jayne Holland, portfolio holder for community and regulatory services at Bedford Borough Council, said: “We understand that a burial site is a very important area for families and loved ones and that is why we are being open and clear about the need to undertake this survey and when we plan to do so.
“It is important to stress that we will not be simply pulling over or taking out any memorials which look to be showing signs of wear and tear. We will simply contact the families involved and sensitively explain the options available to them.”
If anyone has any questions regarding the review, they can contact bereavement services on 01234 718150.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Bedford
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North
