PARISH councillors in Porlock are facing major spending on safety works in Hawkcombe Cemetery and the closed churchyard of St Dubricius Church.
They heard more than £27,000 was needed just to make safe loose headstones and other memorials in the burial grounds.
The council identified 120 ‘unsafe memorials’, of which 64 were within the exclusive right of burial deed period of 75 years, with the work expected to be completed by the autumn of this year.
Councillors have been trying to locate any family members still living in Porlock to talk to them about the work, but found only two.
Hawkcombe Cemetery, Porlock. ( )
It follows a survey carried out in 2024 of all memorials taller than 24 inches, following which letters were sent to owners of graves with unsafe memorials to addresses the council held.
A spokesperson said: “Memorials are a lasting tribute to our loved ones and through careful testing to ensure their safety we would like to work with you to ensure all memorials remain a fitting tribute for years to come.”
Councillors were told Government guidance was they should do all that was reasonably practicable to ensure visitors and those working in burial grounds were not exposed to risks.
However, measures to control any risks should be proportionate to the level of the risk.
Memorials were considered a relatively low level risk but one which needed ‘careful and sensitive management’.
Councillors heard money would also be needed for resurfacing and repairs to paths and rails in the cemetery, which opened in 1891.