Management of memorials FAQ

Memorial safety in Walsall Council cemeteries

Council staff are committed to ensuring that families can visit their loved-ones in safe and well-maintained surroundings, provided with an excellent and compassionate service.

We have already worked with Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton to introduce common regulations about how memorials are safely erected in Black Country cemeteries. Memorial masons must comply with these rules, introduced in April 2004, when installing new memorials.

Bereavement services officers are reviewing the management of memorials in the borough's cemeteries and will produce an action plan towards the end of 2005.

Why are we developing a memorials management action plan?

Following a national campaign to make cemeteries a safer place to visit, Walsall Council bereavement services officers are working on an action plan to manage the safety of memorials in the borough's cemeteries.

What responsibilities do I have as a memorial owner?

As a memorial owner, you have a responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of your memorial. It is important to ensure your memorial is checked from time to time. For further advice contact bereavement services officers on 0121 353 7228 or 01902 368621.

What should I do about the safety of my memorial?

Memorial owners are urged to contact a memorial mason authorised to work in Walsall cemeteries to assess the safety of your memorial. You can also contact bereavement services officers on the above numbers.

What should I do if my memorial is damaged or vandalised?

Although instances of vandalism or theft are extremely rare in cemeteries, should it happen to your memorial, it will, quite understandably, be very upsetting to you.

You are strongly advised to consider the option of insuring the memorial against such occurrences, especially as the council's own insurance does not cover such incidents. Your memorial mason should be able to offer you further advice.

What standards must new memorials now meet?

All headstone memorials installed after 1st April 2004 within our cemeteries involve the use of a ground anchor and / or dowels for added stability.

All memorial masons operating in cemeteries across Walsall and the Black Country must comply with these new standards and must be on the Black Country approved list.

Walsall Council has an approved list of competent memorial masons who can install memorials to the new standard.

When buying a new memorial check that it meets the council's regulations – your mason will apply to the council for a permit for approval to install a new memorial.

Can I contribute to the safety review?

Bereavement services officers welcome comments and suggestions from families who visit the borough's cemeteries and crematorium – or any Walsall resident who would like to help the council improve the service.

Please phone bereavement services staff on the above numbers, e-mail them at bereavementservices@walsall.gov.uk or write to them at:

Streetly Crematorium
Little Hardwick Road
Aldridge
Walsall
WS9 OSG