ALL SAINTS CHURCHYARD MEMORIAL STONES

MEMORIAL STONES – ALL SAINTS CHURCHYARD

Why Memorial Stones Have Been Lain Down in the Closed Churchyard

The Parish Council wishes to inform residents and visitors of recent actions taken within the closed churchyard regarding the laying down of certain memorial stones.

This decision has not been made lightly and follows a careful process rooted in both public safety concerns and legal responsibilities.

Ensuring Public Safety

Over time, memorial stones—especially older headstones—can become unstable due to weathering, ground movement, or deterioration of fixings. When a churchyard is "closed" (no longer used for new burials and maintained by the local authority or parish council), the responsibility for health and safety within its grounds often transfers to the Parish Council.

Routine safety inspections are conducted to assess the stability of memorial stones. Where a stone is found to be unstable and poses a risk of falling, the safest course of action is often to lay it down flat to prevent accidents. This step is taken to protect the many people who visit or pass through the churchyard—whether for remembrance, quiet reflection, or as a pedestrian route.

Legal and Ethical Responsibility

The Parish Council is legally obliged to manage risks in the closed churchyard. While laying down memorial stones can be distressing for families and the wider community, failure to act where a stone poses a hazard could result in serious injury or liability.

Where possible, the Parish Council attempts to contact families before action is taken, but in many cases—especially with very old or unmarked stones—this is not feasible. All actions are recorded and carried out with sensitivity and due respect for the significance of these memorials.

Preserving Heritage with Safety in Mind

We understand the emotional and historical importance of gravestones, and we share in the community's desire to maintain the dignity of the churchyard. The laying down of stones is a temporary measure in many cases. Memorial stones remain the responsibility of the family to manage and maintain but, again, this is not always possible and we understand that.

We encourage those with loved ones buried in the churchyard to contact the Parish Council if they have questions or concerns. We are committed to transparency and will continue to carry out our duties with both care and compassion and thank you for your understanding with these actions.