Unsafe graves will be laid flat (From Penarth Times)

Unsafe graves will be laid flat

THE CHURCH warden of St Augustine's has warned that unsafe graves in the churchyard will be laid flat at the end of October unless family members take action.

Mary Cole said: "A certain number of graves in the churchyard are in real need of repair, some are in a dangerous state. With new rulings on the state of monuments something has to be done quickly.

"Children are attracted to playing in graveyards and with the state of some of the graves we see a significant risk."

There have been serious accidents in other parts of the country with gravestones falling on people.

"In collaboration with the Vale of Glamorgan Council we will be carrying out an assessment of the gravestones.

"While we have a duty to maintain the war graves and also a few other private graves and receive payment for these, the rest of the graves are not our responsibility to maintain especially bearing in mind that this was the churchyard used for many non-church people in Penarth before the other cemetery came into use.

"It is understood that in many cases families have moved away from the area or there are no members of the family left. If anyone is aware of a family grave in St Augustine's churchyard contact Mrs Mary Cole, at Flat 1, 9 Marine Parade, Penarth CF64 3BE.

"We would like to hear from families before October 31. After that date, the graves will be treated with sensitivity but any headstones that are in any way dangerous will be laid flat, making sure that the family inscription is facing up."

Mary added: "During the last year a great deal of work has been carried out St Augustine's Church thanks in particular to Lottery and CADW grants and apart from the lighting, the work is finished."