Browse Sections
Interactive
Popular Sections
Partly sunnyNews
| 
Submit Comments
Gravestones taped up and slapped with 're-lay' notices
Victoria Morley5/12/2007
FAMILIES tending the graves of loved ones in Hazel Grove say they were horrified to find headstones wrapped in red and white tape reminiscent of a police crime scene.
As a result of a health and safety inspection of gravestones by Stockport Council on behalf of Norbury Parish Church, several of the 3,500 graves have been taped off and garish yellow safety labels attached directly on to them.
All affected grave owners are being asked to contact the church before December 31 to have dangerous memorial stones re-laid by Council-approved stonemasons.
Relatives say they have been saddened by the action, which they say is little more than insensitive vandalism.
John Rowbottom, 64, of Marple, is heartbroken and claims it is a cruel and untimely way of taxing the bereaved.
“This callous vandalism can be expected from mindless yobs but not from a church and Council that claims to care.
“Christmas is when we hold the memories of our loved ones close to our hearts. And the church or anyone else for that matter does not have the right to trespass on our families graves or desecrate them with tape. It will also come at a minimum cost of £190 to relay them. What a terrible time of year to do this when families are most vulnerable.”
Work to secure the 1834 churchyard, which is necessary under the National Association of Monumental Masons, was deemed essential by the church.
Rev Martin Collins said: “In order to meet our responsibilities, we have for some years been running a fully documented safety inspection programme.
“We have put a notice to this effect at the entrance to the churchyard. And every effort has been made to trace grave contacts when a memorial has been found to be unsafe. But this is not always possible and these memorials have been temporarily supported by stakes.
“The ultimate responsibility for the safety of any memorial in Norbury churchyard lies with the family concerned. The task of Norbury church is to bring this matter to the attention of the families, and to ensure that the work is done.”
Most recent 1 of 1 user comments
Got an opinion you want to share?| Company | Typical APR |
| Platinum Exclusive Loan | 7.8% |
| AA | 7.9% |
| Sainsbury's Personal Loan | 8.2% |
| Alliance & Leicester | 8.7% |
| Lloyds TSB | 8.9% |
| Abbey Personal Loan | 8.9% |
| Provider | AER* |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Savings Account |
4.50% |
|
FIRST DIRECT Everyday e-Saver |
1.75% |
|
SAINSBURYS FINANCE Internet Saver |
2.25% |
11/01/2008 at 01:31