Loughton Cemetery Memorial Safety

Published: 05 August 2026

Loughton Cemetery

Notice is hereby given that Loughton Town Council intends to carry out memorial safety testing in Loughton Cemetery to provide a safe environment for both visitors and staff.

According to guidance issued by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) and the Ministry of Justice, inspections will be carried out on a 5-year rolling programme. Following an initial inspection of all memorials, inspections will in future be carried out according to a prioritised programme.

Loughton Town Council understands that the memorial safety programme may cause concern to grave owners, relatives and bereaved people, and wishes to give reassurance that the testing will be carried out respectfully and within national guidelines. Prior to safety testing, a notice will be displayed on the edge of the appropriate cemetery section to advise of pending inspections. Each memorial will undergo a visual inspection, followed by a hand test in accordance with the memorial safety testing policy.

If a memorial is found to be unsafe, appropriate action will be taken to either temporarily secure it, or in a minority of cases where a memorial is found to present an immediate hazard, they will be laid down. A letter will be sent to the grave owner at the address we have in our registers. Unfortunately, we may be unable to contact all grave owners.

If you have any concerns about the safety of your memorial or require any further information regarding the safety testing procedure, contact Pippa Bryce, Burial Clerk at Loughton Town Council, on contact@loughton-tc.gov.uk or 020 8508 4200.

Memorials are a lasting tribute to our loved ones and through careful management we will work with you to ensure the cemetery is a safe place to visit for years to come.

Town Clerk

August 2026