Memorials in Coggeshall Cemetery
The Parish Council are running an inspection of all memorials in Coggeshall cemetery in line with guidelines issued by NAMM (National Association Of Memorial Masons), with a view to identifying unsafe structures and to remedy any problems found.
Please rest assured that memorials will NOT be removed, but this process could include ‘laying down’ of headstones in the interests of public safety.
Although responsibility for the condition of memorials rests with the individual grave owner, the council has a ‘duty of care’ as the legal owner of the land to take such steps as it deems necessary to ensure public safety. If possible relatives will be informed, but in practice this is very difficult as the purchaser/owner may have died or has moved away.
What relatives claiming the memorial can do
We understand that this may be upsetting and are sorry for any distress it may cause. If your memorial has to be laid flat to make it safe you can choose to either:
- Leave the memorial lying down and take no further action
- Have the memorial repaired by a registered memorial stonemason
If you are concerned about the safety of your memorial you can arrange, at your own expense, for a registered memorial stonemason to inspect your memorial for safety. Just for peace of mind, we strongly recommend insurance cover. A registered memorial stonemason will know of a company that offers this.
Keep your contact details up to date with the parish clerk.
Please be aware that cemeteries are potentially hazardous places. Visitors to cemeteries should keep to footpaths, avoid touching any memorials (other than ones that they own) and ensure that children are supervised at all times.