Information on graves

We have completed the current round of safety inspections in each of our four cemeteries and we are now working towards making memorials permanently safe. Where possible, grave owners have been contacted to notify them of the need to have memorials repaired. For memorials that pose a risk and the owner is not contactable, we have begun a programme of laying them flat in the ground, or standing them upright and buried by a third. We aim to keep as much of the inscriptions visible during this process. Where the most cost effective method is repair we will employ a BRAMM registered mason for the works.

Where grave owners arrange for repairs, these must be carried out by a BRAMM registered memorial mason and a permit must be obtained from the Bereavement Team to authorise the work, who can be contacted at cemeteries@rossendalebc.gov.uk. Please note that repair permits issued as a result of safety testing will be free of charge if we recieve the documenttation by the 1st April 2027.