Danger headstones meet red tape

Several headstones have been marked with bright yellow tape and slapped with red health-and-safety failure notices.

Most of these stones are relatively new, dating from the 1970s and 80s.

And some older, taller memorials have even had to be tied in place with blue guy ropes to prevent them toppling over.

It is the responsibility of all local councils to ensure gravestones are not at risk of falling over, as they could present a danger to children.

A spokesman for Hastings Council said: "We try to let grave-owners know the situation if a headstone is found to be unsafe.

"It gives them an opportunity to carry out remedial works themselves.

"We realise it is a very sensitive issue, which is why we deal with it like this. Other local authorities have chosen to lay headstones flat themselves, without warning, which has not been popular."

Anyone with concerns about the council's health and safety inspections should call cemetery manager George Ford on 781300.