A formal inspection based on the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management guidelines will commence in July 2025. Notices will be displayed in the Churchyard and Cemetery.
- The Burial Authority is responsible under the HASAWA 1974 and the Occupiers Liability Act 1967 to ensure the site is maintained in a safe condition. See also the Local Authorities Order 1977.
- The grave owner is responsible for maintaining it in a safe condition, and the Memorial Mason is responsible for erecting it safely.
- The Mason is legally liable under the Consumer Protection Act 1979, the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 and the Directive on Liability for Defective Products 2003.
- Memorials will be allocated 1 of 3 priority ratings.
- Priority 1 – Immediate action to be taken to make the memorial safe and stop anyone accessing the memorial.
- Priority 2 – Memorial is not in immediate danger but is not fully stable and will therefore need to be monitored every 12 months.
- Priority 3 – Memorial is perfectly stable and safe. Reinspect in 5 years.
- Should immediate action be required due to safety concerns this could include – Refix the memorial to the current standard, Temporary fix, Stake and band, Cordon off, Monolith (Sink in the ground) or lay flat to ensure the danger and risk of injury is removed.
If further information is required please contact Alan Barker at clerk@newportpc.org.uk