A town council has identified a number of unstable headstones on graves in two burial grounds and is now asking for families who own the plots to arrange necessary repairs.

Caistor Town Council has identified a number of unstable memorials following safety inspections at Caistor’s churchyard and Congregational Churchyard

In an announcement published on its website, the council said: “Following recent safety inspections, a number of memorials within the burial ground have been identified as unstable and failing required safety standards.”

It is now asking grave owners to come forward to arrange necessary repairs.

The churchyard around St Peter and St Paul's Church, Caistor. Photo: Google Maps

placeholder image — The churchyard around St Peter and St Paul's Church, Caistor. Photo: Google Maps

In accordance with policy, a list of affected memorials is displayed on the noticeboard and on the council website - https://caistor.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/downloads/download/53/unsafe-memorials

Notices have been placed on or near the identified memorials.

The council stated: “The responsibility for maintaining a memorial in a safe condition rests with the grave owner (EROB holder). Owners are required to arrange necessary repairs using an approved memorial mason, in line with current regulations (including BS 8415).”

Owners have been given three months to make contact with the town council.

The town council adds it may be able to assist with simple re-fixing of headstones “at cost”. But for more complex repairs, owners must appoint a qualified memorial mason. All works require approval and a permit from the council.

They warned: “If no contact is received within six months, the memorial may be classified as abandoned. CTC may then take action to make it permanently safe, which could include fixing, laying flat, or removal. Costs may be recovered from the owner.

Contact Caistor Town Council as soon as possible to discuss the required action on 07578422667 or email [email protected]

it comes after the council issued a temporary pause in December on all new burials at Caistor’s North Kelsey Road Cemetery while the council reviewed historic graves and sought legal advice.

Caistor Town Council had surveyed sections of the right hand side of the cemetery to assess the location of historic burials and the availability of plots.

However, the survey found historic, unmarked burials in areas previously thought to be empty, including previously reserved plots. These burials were thought by the council to be from mid 18th to mid 19th century, when record-keeping may have been more limited or inconsistent.

The council must avoid disturbing human remains by law and could not confirm if, historically, people had been buried on top of older graves and was taking specialist advice.

A council statement said: “As a result, no new burials can safely proceed anywhere in the cemetery at this time. The council is taking legal advice to ensure that any future decisions comply with relevant laws, including the Burial Act 1857, and that historic graves are treated with respect."

They pledged to update residents once a long-term plan for the cemetery is in place.