THE sturdiness of memorial headstones at Monmouth cemetery are to be safety tested from September as part of a health and safety initiative. Monmouthshire County Council has an obligation to ensure - as best it can - the safety of those visiting or working in its cemeteries. The checking of the stability of memorials is an important aspect to meet this obligation.

Countrywide, unstable memorials caused three deaths and at least eighteen other serious accidents during the five years to June 2004. Trained employees will use a piece of specially designed equipment that applies pressure to each memorial to carry out the stability test.

If the memorial remains upright and stable to a pre-determined level, it will be deemed as safe.

However, the memorials that fail to remain stable to the pre-determined level will be regarded as unsafe and the point at which the memorial failed the test will be recorded.

A stake and band will be applied to the memorials that fail the test as a short-term safety measure and a notice will also be attached to it to provide information to family members who may visit the Cemetery. Debby McCarty, the council's area services officer said that they will be making efforts to contact family members who are responsible for the maintenance of the grave and the safety of the memorial.

Mrs McCarty added: "Family members will be informed that if no action has been taken within six months to make the memorial safe, it will be removed to a safe place within the grounds of the cemetery.

"The Council recognises that there is a potential for family members to become upset in the event of a memorial being found to be unsafe, but it is hoped that those affected will understand that the overriding principle is to ensure the safety of people visiting the cemetery."

If you have concerns about the stability of a memorial for which you are responsible, you are asked to contact Debbie McCarty at Monmouth One Stop Shop 01600 775200.