A COUNCIL is to restart its programme of safety- testing memorial headstones.

The memorials that were identified as the highest risk have already been tested in Torfaen.

These were mainly larger memorials situated in the older parts of the cemeteries.

The next stage is to test memorials in the lawn sections in the newer parts of the cemeteries.

There are about 11,000 headstones altogether in Cwmbran, Blaenavon and Panteg cemeteries.

Previous work caused controversy and upset relatives, but this time the council says memorials will be supported in their original upright position to preserve the dignity of the cemeteries.

The Health and Safety Executive has ordered councils to make cemeteries safe because of a number of child fatalities and other accidents in cemeteries caused by memorials toppling over, as they become unstable over time.

There have been three such deaths in the UK over the last ten years. Under the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act, any memorial that fails must be immediately made safe.

Councillor John Cunningham, executive member for operational services, said: "The council will make every effort to contact the (family of the) grave owner if their headstone fails the test. However, in many cases it will not be possible to contact the owner if the Cemetery Office has not been advised of a change of address.

"We are aware of the sensitivity involved in testing headstones, and have information leaflets on how memorials can be made safe.

"It is an unfortunate fact that there will be instances where someone won't discover their memorials have failed the test until they visit the grave."

Anyone who would like to be present while the memorial is being tested should telephone 01495 766150.