Constitutional Affairs written question – answered at on 13 June 2005.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Constitutional Affairs
(1) what guidance he provides for local authorities on the need to consult families of the deceased before (a) levelling, (b) disturbing and (c) flattening gravestones or markers;
(2) how many people have been (a) killed and (b) seriously injured by falling or unstable gravestones in (i) St. Albans and (ii) Hertfordshire in the last 25 years.
Advice has been sought from relevant professional bodies on issues arising from unsafe memorials and we are currently considering what guidance might now be given to local authorities and others on these issues, including the need to consult families.
Information on the total number of deaths and serious injuries is not recorded centrally, but I understand that, sadly, as at June 2004 there have been at least three deaths and 18 serious injuries attributed to unstable memorials in recent years. I understand that none of these incidents has occurred in St. Albans or in Hertfordshire.
Yes1 person thinks so
No0 people think not
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