Information last updated – 2 February 2026.
As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our cemeteries safe for all visitors, we carried out routine safety inspections at Chorley and Adlington cemeteries (October 2025).
These checks help ensure that memorials remain in good condition and do not pose any risk to those who come to pay their respects.
We took proactive steps to ensure the safety of visitors and staff at our cemeteries by laying down memorial headstones that had been identified as unstable during recent inspections. Over time, headstones can deteriorate due to weathering or ground movement, making them vulnerable to tipping or collapse. This poses a serious risk, particularly to children who may be unaware of the danger. The tragic death of a young child in Rossendale in early 2025, caused by a falling headstone, deeply affected communities across Lancashire and served as a stark reminder of the importance of cemetery safety. While such incidents are rare, they are preventable.
We know how important these spaces are to families and loved ones, so we wanted to make sure that everyone knew what is happening so our cemeteries are were and continue to be well maintained and safe for everyone who might visit.
A first round of checks were done by our officers who had undergone relevant training. This involved both visual and physical inspections. A second inspection took place by qualified stonemasons. If any that we had identified as unsafe are consequently deemed safe, we would review our procedures and update them accordingly.
Where a memorial headstone could be at risk of falling, we made multiple attempts to notify owners.
Headstones that were unsafe and could fall over were laid down in October 2025 at Chorley cemetery and Adlington Cemetery. They were clearly marked with white stakes, with an arrow indicating which grave it corresponds to. We did this carefully, so the cemeteries remain a pleasant and dignified place, but we wanted to let everyone know so that it doesn’t create any distress. After this time, gravestones can still be reinstated and we would ask anyone who would like to discuss this to contact us. Our signage was updated to ensure people visiting the cemetery in the future are aware.
We can confirm that we did not make any money from this process. There was no cost to families if the headstone has simply been laid flat for safety reasons.
If a memorial was identified as unsafe and family members wished to have it reinstated, they needed to instruct a qualified stonemason. We recognised that this is a difficult situation for families and so we could support families to minimise costs, waiving any of the council’s usual fees and contributing to the costs of any works. Family members were asked to get in touch with us.
In addition, we can supported families to appoint our preferred stonemason and contribute to the cost. We asked family members to get in touch with us.
Most of the headstones wouldn't be affected. It was mostly older graves where they may have been unstable. We asked that if anyone has seen that their loved-one’s grave was included then they could contact us and we could discuss the options available.
There will be future inspections of new and existing gravestones to ensure the cemeteries remain safe spaces.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to preserve the space with respect and care.
If you have any concerns or would like discuss options available to you, please call us on 01257 515494 or email contact@chorley.gov.uk.
More information about this is available in our cemeteries policy.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why is Chorley Council inspecting memorial headstones?
As part of the council’s ongoing duty of care, regular safety inspections are essential to ensure that all memorial headstones remain secure and do not pose a risk to visitors or staff. This is an important responsibility for Chorley Council and forms part of the routine management of cemeteries under its care. By taking these proactive steps, the council aims to maintain a safe and dignified environment for everyone who visits. The tragic death of a young child in Rossendale earlier this year, caused by a falling headstone, has deeply affected communities across Lancashire and served as a stark reminder of the importance of cemetery safety. While such incidents are rare, they are preventable.
2. What happens if a memorial headstone is found to be unsafe?
Where we have been able to contact the registered grave owner, we have requested that the memorial headstone is made safe as soon as possible. We will be attempting to notify owners we haven’t had a response from again. If we were unable to make contact or we didn't receive a response, the headstone was laid flat with the inscription clearly visible and facing upwards, positioned correctly at the head of the grave.
A first round of checks was done by qualified council officers. This involved both visual and physical inspection. Before we laid any memorial headstone down, a second check was done by a qualified stonemason to confirm it is necessary. This is a standard part of our process to ensure we only take this step when absolutely required for public safety.
Where the memorial headstones could be unsafe and could fall over, we laid them down in October 2025 at both Chorley Cemetery and Adlington Cemetery.
3. Do I need permission to repair or install a memorial headstone?
Yes. Before any memorial headstone is erected, repaired or any inscription is cut or altered, an application including the appropriate fee must be made to the council by a qualified memorial headstone mason. More information about this is available in our cemeteries policy.
4. Who pays for repairs or safety work?
If a memorial headstone is found to be unsafe and needs to be laid down for immediate safety, the council will cover the cost of this initial action.
If a memorial has been identified as unsafe and family members wish to have it reinstated, they will need to instruct a qualified stonemason. We recognise this is a difficult situation for families and so we can support families to minimise costs, waiving any of the council’s usual fees and contributing to the costs of any works, please contact us to discuss further.
In addition, we can support families to appoint our preferred stonemason and contribute to the cost. Please contact us to discuss.
A memorial headstone should be securely fixed and stable, posing no risk of falling or causing injury to visitors or cemetery staff.
All memorial headstones should be erected by a fully qualified and registered stonemason. BRAMM and NAMM provide accreditation for memorial headstone masons, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge.
5. What are the rules for memorial headstones in Chorley cemeteries?
Information about the rules for memorial headstones in our cemeteries is available in our cemeteries policy.
6. Why is memorial headstone safety important?
Chorley’s cemeteries receive a significant number of visitors throughout the year, including bereaved families, friends, and members of the community paying their respects. With some memorial headstones being particularly old, large and heavy, it is essential that each one is fully secure. If memorial headstones are not properly maintained, they could pose a serious risk to the safety of anyone nearby. This is why robust inspections and ongoing maintenance are vital in safeguarding our public spaces.
Chorley Council is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of visitors and staff at our cemeteries by laying down memorial headstones that have been identified as unstable during recent inspections. Over time, headstones can deteriorate due to weathering, ground movement, or lack of maintenance, making them vulnerable to tipping or collapse. This poses a serious risk, particularly to children who may be unaware of the danger. The tragic death of a young child in Rossendale earlier this year, caused by a falling headstone, has deeply affected communities across Lancashire and served as a stark reminder of the importance of cemetery safety. While such incidents are rare, they are preventable. By laying down unsafe memorial headstones and clearly marking them with white stakes, we are prioritising public safety while respecting the dignity of those buried.
7. Will I be contacted if my memorial headstone is affected?
We will be attempting to notify owners of the gravestones again but if we have been unable to contact the grave owner or we haven’t received a response from them, the grave will be laid down, within the grave plot, to eliminate the risk of them falling. If you wish to discuss this with us, then please contact us on 01257 515494 or email contact@chorley.gov.uk.
8. What should I do if my memorial headstone is marked as being unstable?
You can contact us on 01257 515494 to discuss or email contact@chorley.gov.uk. If you intend to have the headstone repaired, then you will need to instruct a qualified stonemason to undertake this work on your behalf. Once complete we will reinspect the memorial headstone to ensure it is safe
contact@chorley.gov.uk. If you intend to have the headstone repaired, then you will need to instruct a qualified memorial headstone mason to undertake this work on your behalf. Once complete we will reinspect the memorial headstone to ensure it is safe. We recognise this is a difficult situation for families and so we can support families to minimise costs, waiving any of the council’s usual fees and contributing to the costs of any works undertaken by our preferred stonemason, please contact us to discuss further.
9. Can I appeal a decision about my memorial headstone? How can I find out if my memorial headstone has been inspected?
All memorial headstones within Adlington and Chorley Cemeteries have been inspected. If we have identified the memorial headstone as being unstable then the grave will be marked with a white stake and an arrow on every stake to clearly indicate which grave it corresponds to. An officer can meet you on site to discuss in more detail if requested.
10. I wasn’t aware of the inspections that took place and have visited a family members grave after a long time. The headstone is now laid flat – what can I do?
We understand how upsetting it can be to find a loved one’s memorial headstone laid flat unexpectedly. We carry out routine safety inspections at our cemeteries to identify memorial headstones that may pose a risk due to age, weathering, or instability. If a headstone is found to be unsafe, it is laid flat to prevent accidents and protect visitors.
Before acting, we make every effort to contact the registered grave owner using the details we have on record. If you were unaware of the inspection or have not visited for some time, you are welcome to contact us to discuss the situation. We can talk through options for reinstating the memorial headstone safely.
Please get in touch with us for support and guidance on 01257 515494 or email contact@chorley.gov.uk.
11. Will there be any future inspections?
There will be future inspections of new and existing gravestones to ensure the cemeteries remain safe spaces.
12. Is there a register to find out if my family member’s grave has been marked with a white stake?
Yes, please contact us on 01257 515494 or email contact@chorley.gov.uk