Gravestones to be laid flat for safety reasons

Colchester Cemetery and Crematorium was opened in 1856

Some gravestones in a cemetery are due to be laid flat temporarily to remove any danger of them falling over and injuring people.

Colchester City Council said it checked 10,331 memorials at Colchester Cemetery and Crematorium between April and June 2024 and deemed 789 to be unsafe.

The council said the memorials would be laid flat, with inscriptions facing upward, for the foreseeable future.

Eight people had died in the UK over the last 30 years because of memorials falling on them, the council said.

Burial authorities have a legal duty to maintain burial grounds in good order and must also ensure they have taken reasonable steps to protect public safety.

Labour councillor Jocelyn Law, portfolio holder for communities and public protection, said: "We understand how important memorials are to families and the community.

"This decision has been made with safety as our top priority."

Clear signage and communication were due to be put in place at the cemetery to explain the process to visitors, added the council.

A spokesperson said it did not have a timeframe on when the issue would be resolved.