Colchester City Council will be taking safety action at the Colchester Cemetery & Crematorium to ensure memorials remain safe for all visitors and staff.
Over the last 30 years, eight people in the UK have tragically lost their lives after a memorial fell on them. Burial authorities have a legal duty under the Local Authorities Cemeteries Order 1977 to maintain burial grounds in good order, as well as responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to protect public safety.
Between April and June 2024, 10,331 memorials were tested. Where a memorial failed the safety check, a yellow warning tag was attached, and a photo and video record were taken. Following detailed checks on cemetery records, letters were sent to grave owners between August and December 2024.
In early July 2025, specialist contractor The CDS Group re-tested those memorials that had previously failed. Where necessary, yellow tags were re-attached. Their report has confirmed that some memorials still present a risk.
To remove any immediate danger, these remaining unsafe memorials will be carefully laid flat, with inscriptions facing upwards. This is a temporary measure while a tender process is completed, and permanent repairs are arranged.
Cllr 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, while ensuring we continue to treat every memorial with dignity and care. By taking these temporary measures, we can protect our visitors and staff, while making sure the necessary repairs are carried out for the long term.”
Clear signage and communications will be in place on-site to explain the process to visitors. These steps will help keep the site safe while we work towards restoring the memorials.
Over the last 30 years, eight people in the UK have tragically lost their lives after a memorial fell on them. Burial authorities have a legal duty under the Local Authorities Cemeteries Order 1977 to maintain burial grounds in good order, as well as responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to protect public safety.
Between April and June 2024, 10,331 memorials were tested. Where a memorial failed the safety check, a yellow warning tag was attached, and a photo and video record were taken. Following detailed checks on cemetery records, letters were sent to grave owners between August and December 2024.
In early July 2025, specialist contractor The CDS Group re-tested those memorials that had previously failed. Where necessary, yellow tags were re-attached. Their report has confirmed that some memorials still present a risk.
To remove any immediate danger, these remaining unsafe memorials will be carefully laid flat, with inscriptions facing upwards. This is a temporary measure while a tender process is completed, and permanent repairs are arranged.
Cllr 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, while ensuring we continue to treat every memorial with dignity and care. By taking these temporary measures, we can protect our visitors and staff, while making sure the necessary repairs are carried out for the long term.”
Clear signage and communications will be in place on-site to explain the process to visitors. These steps will help keep the site safe while we work towards restoring the memorials.
Page last reviewed: 13 August 2025