MEMORIALS in cemeteries across Eastleigh, Bishopstoke and Chandler's Ford could end up being laid flat on graves if a safety inspection finds they are unsafe.

Civic chiefs have given the go-ahead for a year-long £30,000 inspection programme of 4,000 headstones at

council-owned burial grounds following concerns from the council's insurers.

The council's Cabinet was told the move was also necessary because the Health and Safety Executive had made it clear that it held the burial authority responsible for safety at cemeteries.

Inspections will be focused at Bishopstoke, Brookwood Avenue in Eastleigh, plus Pine Road and Ramalley in Chandler's Ford.

In a joint report to the Cabinet from head of direct services David Burton and grounds maintenance manager John Morris, Cabinet members were told: "There are large numbers of existing memorials, as well as many memorials erected without permission of this authority, whose long- term stability and safety are of concern.

"The council understands that anything to do with cemeteries is a very sensitive issue and that any actions we take will possibly be upsetting.

"However, we do have a responsibility for the health and safety of all users of the cemetery, therefore this action is essential."

If a memorial fails a stability test it will be laid flat on top of the grave with any inscription facing upwards.

"While this may mean that a large number of memorials are treated in this way it is the only immediate solution to the health and safety risk posed by these memorials.

"Where owners of memorials can be traced then these people will be informed of the council's action and advised that if they wish the memorial to be re-erected they will need to re-submit an application," councillors were told.

The initial inspection programme is expected to be completed within the current financial year and memorials will then be looked at on a five-year rolling programme.

Councillor Alan Broadhurst said there had recently been an accident in Eastleigh cemeteries when a widow had been injured.

But he added: "We won't be laying down great masses of memorials as some other councils have done - we intend to do this carefully and try not to upset too many people."

Eastleigh based independent funeral director Paul Capper told the Daily Echo: "I'm sure the council is acting appropriately - you have to make sure cemeteries are safe.

"I don't have any reason to believe, that they will be laying lots of headstones down but there are one or two that look a little dangerous.

"Inevitably, families move away and graves fall into disrepair. But, certainly, people who have had burials in recent years have no need to worry."