'Flattened gravestones present new hazard'

Consultant Craigan Barnett, of Bodiam-based Weald Health and Safety revealed in last week's Observer that nationally-approved alternatives to laying-down memorials exist, including temporary stakes and straps and a purpose-made steel support.

Now following a visit to see work on the first section of the 8,000-plot Bexhill cemetery which has resulted in 272 memorials failing safety testing being laid flat, Mr Barnett says: "Memorials have been laid flat, some of which in my opinion are causing a hazard in that they could be tripped over.

"Also in my opinion there will be another hazard when the stones are replaced. Under the Manual Handling Regulations, 1992, some of the stones cannot be lifted by hand. Whoever replaces them will need mechanical devices.

"The cost of lifting the stones back into place will be very expensive. Had they been secured as they stood, the cost would have been far less.

"Why the Assessment team chose the older part of the cemetery first I don't understand.

"When I visited the site there were no visitors to the graves in the older part.

"Most of the visitors were in the newer area, where in my experience, most of the hazardous stones are situated."

Owners of the offending gravestones are being advised by the council to arrange for a permanent replacement at their on expense.

Of the first 272 registered letters sent out, 98 were immediately returned to the Post Office as undeliverable.