Gloucester council chiefs apologise after “toppling” of unsafe headstones
Immediate action needed to be taken because some were found to be insecure and likely to fall over, according to Gloucester City Council
Gloucester council chiefs have apologised for any upset caused after the “toppling” of unsafe headstones at Coney Hill cemetery without informing relatives of the deceased.
Immediate action needed to be taken because some were found to be insecure and likely to fall over, according to Gloucester City Council.
The move caused further distress and panic at the controversy-hit cemetery and crematorium, says Councillor Alastair Chambers (Matson, Robinswood and White City).
The Community Independent councillor has raised several concerns over the site in recent months and years including errors with burials, machinery driving over graves as well as health and safety concerns.
“Once again, Gloucester City Council has failed in its duty to act with dignity and sensitivity—yet again at its own crematorium,” he said.
“Just 14 days ago, bereaved families were left in shock and despair after discovering that the council had deliberately toppled headstones in the cemetery—without notice, consultation, or prior warning to grave owners.
“The first many families knew of this distressing act was upon visiting their loved ones’ graves, only to find memorials ransacked and deliberately laid flat by council workers.
“No letters had been sent. No phone calls made. No warnings issued.
“The rationale, reportedly, follows an incident at another cemetery, but the execution of this decision was nothing short of disgraceful.
“This was entirely avoidable.”
He raised concerns over the dangerous headstones in November 2023 and presented photos at a full council meeting at North Warehouse.
“I urged senior officers and councillors to adopt a managed, compassionate approach—allowing families to be informed and given time to work with stonemasons to address any concerns,” he said.
“But as has become routine, the council ignored the warning. Instead of addressing the issue proactively and respectfully, they have once again opted for a reactive, chaotic, and deeply insensitive course of action.
“This behaviour is not new. Gloucester Crematorium has a history of repeated failures, including misplaced or missing bodies, burials in the wrong graves, including individuals with the same name, unauthorised removal of toys and personal items from children’s graves and disrespectful handling of grave decorations and fences
“And now, the council adds to this shameful record by toppling headstones—before issuing a public notice.
“This week’s warning that ‘loose headstones will be removed’ comes after the damage is already done.
“The families of Gloucester deserve better. Our departed loved ones deserve dignity. And our public institutions must be held accountable.”
The City Council has a legal duty to ensure the welfare of all visitors and staff at cemeteries they manage – and they are also responsible for assessing and maintaining the safety of memorials.
Since 1979, eight people in the UK have been killed when a memorial fell on them, according to Ministry of Justice figures.
The council said safety inspections are conducted on a five-year cycle to ensure stability and prevent accidents in line with national guidelines .
Memorials deemed unstable during these checks – which can involve a simple finger push test – may require immediate action or monitoring, with repairs or adjustments typically being the responsibility of the grave owner.
During the latest inspection, a number of headstones were found to be unsafe, and were gently and respectfully lowered to the ground.
Deputy leader Declan Wilson (LD, Hucclecote), who is the cabinet member for cemeteries and crematoria said: “We would like to apologise sincerely for any upset a recent safety inspection at Coney Hill Cemetery might have caused.
“Unfortunately, immediate action needed to be taken with some headstones because they were found to be insecure and likely to fall. We will look again at how we let people know we are about to carry out these important checks.”
Gloucester City Council is writing to all the owners of the graves that have been deemed to be unsafe to discuss next steps and to support them to make arrangements to put the headstones safely back in place.
Grave owners sign a rules and regulations document before a burial which states that they have the responsibility to maintain the memorial, and if this does not happen satisfactorily, the council has the right to remove the stone at its discretion.
Any grave owners with concerns can contact the cemetery and crematorium team directly by calling 01452 396 902.