2025 Memorial Inspection

Padstow Town Council undertakes a formal Memorial Inspection Programme in Padstow Cemetery. Regular safety inspections are important in the safe management of the cemetery.  The next Memorial Inspection scheduled to take place w/c 19 May 2025.   

What happens during the inspection?
The inspection will involve testing the stability of memorials which are either 5 years old (and not previously inspected) or were categorised in a previous inspection as a C2 (in need of monitoring). The cemetery will remain open during the inspection which will be carried out as discreetly as possible by appropriately trained personnel.

The inspector will undertake a visual inspection and a stability hand test on memorials up to 1.5m. Memorials over 1.5m which have a non-complex structure will also be hand tested. A mechanical force measuring device (not exceeding 25kg) will only be used on memorials between 625mm and 1.5m in height and only if felt necessary after the results of a hand test are found to be inconclusive and where some movement is felt.

On 19 May the inspection will include practical training with industry colleagues. Training will be conducted in a sensitive and respectful manner under the guidance of experienced, qualified personnel from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM).

What happens if a memorial fails the inspection?
If a memorial is found to be an immediate danger to the public, immediate action will be taken to reduce or eliminate the identified risk. This will be undertaken sensitively by an appropriately qualified stonemason. Such actions will be a temporary measure and will be proportionate to the danger posed. Measures may include installing a stake and band to prevent the memorial falling over or laying the memorial (or part thereof) flat. Only where it is deemed strictly necessary will access to the memorial be cordoned off.

How will families know if a memorial has failed the inspection?
The immediate priority is to make sure that Padstow Cemetery is safe for the public. Memorials that fail the inspection will have a notice attached to them and the Town Council will write to the owner/s of the grave’s Exclusive Right of Burial (where data held is less than 30 years old). If you have not been written to it may be because we do not have your most up to date contact details. You can update your contact details by contacting the Council Offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Town Council understands the significance that memorials hold for family members and that it can be upsetting to see work being carried out on a memorial to a loved one; a list of frequently asked questions has been prepared to help answer any questions or concerns families may have.   To download the FAQs, please click on this link.