As part of our legal duty to ensure the safety of all memorials within our cemeteries, we have recently completed the annual inspection programme in Northleach Cemetery. The exceptionally dry summer has caused substantial ground shrinkage, and we discovered that a large number of memorials have become unstable. We are aware that this news may cause concern and we wish to provide clear information and reassurance.
First and foremost, we would like to reassure families that no memorials were damaged during the inspection process. All memorials are carefully hand-tested, without the use of force or machinery. In some cases, memorials have been temporarily laid flat for safety. This step is only taken where a memorial has already failed and is no longer fixed to the ground. Laying a memorial flat is a intended to protect visitors while giving families the necessary time to discuss and plan a permanent repair.
Memorials belong to the rights holder of the grave. While we aim to contact families directly, many of the affected memorials are several decades old, so we do not always have up to date contact details and, due to the large number of memorials involved, this process will take some time. We therefore invite you to review the list in the file below and get in touch if you are responsible for, or have a connection to, a memorial on the list. Our staff are available to support families through the process of arranging repairs.
Please contact the office on 01451 861499 or admin@northleach.gov.uk.
PLEASE NOTE: Permission is required from the Council as burial authority to install, maintain, or alter any memorial in Northleach Cemetery. All repairs must be undertaken by a competent and insured memorial mason and any refixing of memorials must comply with current British Standards.
Notice of Safety Inspection Findings August 2025
A copy of this notice has been posted in the cemetery.
