Memorials

Memorials

Memorials can only be placed on purchased graves or cremation plots.  You should contact a Monumental Mason on our select list who can guide you through the types of headstone available and the permitted sizes (Select List can be found on the right hand side).  They will also submit an application to the cemetery office on your behalf together with the appropriate fee payable to the Council.  PLEASE NOTE: There is a height restriction of 3ft for memorials.

The safety and maintenance of memorials and any repairs that might become necessary are the responsibility of the grave owners and not the Council.  Monumental Masons can arrange memorial maintenance agreements and can also provide insurance for the protection of memorials against vandalism etc.

Teignbridge District Council are about to start a Memorial Safety Inspection Scheme in all our four cemeteries.  Notices have been displayed in the cemeteries and also in the press.  The following is a copy of the notice which appeared in the press...

"A Memorial Safety Inspection Programme is due to be carried out on behalf of Teignbridge District Council to identify memorials and monuments which may be unsafe and could cause injury. The first phase will be taking place in Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Teignmouth (new and old sections) and Dawlish cemeteries to identify and make safe any memorials that may pose an immediate hazard. Although responsibility for the condition of memorials rests with the individual grave owner, the council has a 'duty of care' as the legal 'occupier' of the land to take such steps, as it deems necessary, to ensure public safety. This might mean that a memorial is cordoned off to prevent access, stabilised with a support system or the memorial may be laid flat on the ground, removing any falling hazard. The council will make every effort to contact the families. A letter will be sent to let them know the memorial is unsafe, and to advise them on action they should take. A specialist company - Welters Organisation has been employed by the council to carry out the initial assessment work on all the gravestones. The council has asked Welters to set up a Helpline for members of the public to call for advice on unsafe memorials. The Helpline is available weekdays between 10am and 4pm on 0870 240 0915 (calls charged at the standard national rate.)"