First phase of Rossendale gravestone safety work completed after boy’s death
A four-year-old boy died after part of a memorial fell on him
A first phase of safety work on gravestones at four Rossendale cemeteries has been completed, after the tragic death of a boy last year when part of a memorial fell on him.
Eli Testa, who was aged four, suffered fatal injuries last summer at Rawtenstall Cemetery, which is managed by Rossendale Council. Emergency services rushed to the incident but sadly the youngster could not be saved.
Rossendale Council expressed its deep sadness at the tragedy and said it would work with other agencies to understand the circumstances. Local MP Andy MacNae and councillors were among those who expressed their sympathies too to Eli’s devastated parents and family. The incident also prompted other councils to check their cemeteries too.
Across Rossendale, the borough council manages four different cemeteries in Rawtenstall, Bacup, Whitworth and Haslingden. The sites were all opened in the late 1800s or early 1900s and remain in use.
The council has just completed the first phase of temporary measures. In an update, a spokesperson said: “The initial stage of work has involved inspecting memorials and making them temporarily safe for visitors. Now, we have commenced the next phase of work, which focuses on making memorials permanently safe.
“This may include setting stones upright, laying them flat or levelling the surrounding ground to improve accessibility, while keeping inscriptions visible wherever possible. This work represents an important step in ensuring safer and more-welcoming cemeteries for everyone visiting loved ones.”
If a memorial needs attention, relatives should use an approved stonemason and not try to repair it themselves. Anyone wanting to arrange repairs independently is asked to contact a stonemason listed with the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM). Any work needed to a memorial will need a permit from the council’s bereavement services, which can be emailed at: [email protected].
Permits will be provided free of charge for repairs identified during the safety inspection process, the council said.
Councils are required by law to keep cemeteries safe which includes testing the stability of memorials and kerbs around plots. Grave owners or relatives also have a responsibility to make sure memorials remain in good repair, according to council information.
Rawtenstall Cemetery, at Burnley Road, was opened in 1877. It currently holds over 21,000 burials and covers around 17 acres. Bacup Cemetery was opened in 1862 and is the oldest site managed by the council, with more than 40,000 interments over 17 acres. Whitworth Cemetery was opened in 1879 and Haslingden Cemetery was opened in 1902. It is the smallest site run by the council, at just under six acres.
More information about cemeteries can be found at Rossendale Council’s website.