MEMORIAL inspections at churchyards across North Somerset are to continue to be carried out. Eighteen closed churchyards in the district have been inspected since March 2005 when North Somerset Council was granted permission from the Diocese of Bath and W

MEMORIAL inspections at churchyards across North Somerset are to continue to be carried out.Eighteen closed churchyards in the district have been inspected since March 2005 when North Somerset Council was granted permission from the Diocese of Bath and Wells to inspect memorials to ensure they were safe.Closed churchyards are those which are no longer used for burials and there are 20 within the district. The burial ground at St Andrew's Church in Clevedon is due to be inspected later this year.The council has a responsibility under the Health and Safety Act 1974 to ensure that risks within cemeteries are properly managed, even though the memorials do not belong to the authority. All inspections are carried out in line with the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management code of practice.Memorials that are found to be unsafe will be either laid down flat or supported with stakes. Notices about the inspections and work have been sent to vicars and displayed at all closed churchyards.Progress notices will go up as the programme reaches individual sites.Town and parish councils and ward councillors are also being notified of the inspections in advance.Members of the public and parishioners are welcome to visit the churchyards while the inspections are taking place.Should any residents have any concerns about the inspections then please contact Pauline Pearce at North Somerset Council's Parks Office on 01934 888802.Further information is available on the ICCM website at www.iccm-uk.com