Glasgow families have been left ‘disgusted’ after warning stickers were placed on gravestones.
The shocked mourners said their loves ones should be “treated with respect” after notices stating headstones don’t meet safety standards were been displayed in Riddrie Park cemetery.
Bailie Ann Jenkins, whose parents and brothers are buried in Riddrie Park cemetery, and Bailie Sharon Greer said the stickers have caused “unnecessary distress”. The two Labour councillors, who said they appreciate the need to make graves safe, want the council to give families prior notification.
A Glasgow City Council spokesman said notices, which are used across the UK, are an “effective way to reach out to families”.
The council’s current inspection regime was introduced following a fatal accident inquiry into the death of eight-year-old Ciaran Williamson, who died in 2015 after a headstone fell on him in Cardonald’s Craigton cemetery. Headstones are not maintained by the council, with families expected to ask a stonemason to complete any required upkeep.
Bailie Greer, whose North East ward includes Riddrie Park cemetery, said: “I find it unacceptable that families were not given prior notice of this action regarding the safety of memorial stones. Families deserve respectful communication, especially in such sensitive matters. I have received numerous concerns, as has my colleague, Cllr Jenkins, whose family are also buried within the cemetery.
“While safety is paramount, the lack of prior notification, along with the lack of tact in where the stickers were placed on the gravestones has caused unnecessary distress. Bereavement services must ensure that families are properly informed and treated with respect in future.”
Bailie Jenkins, who represents the neighbouring East Centre ward, said she had been contacted by “disgusted” members of St Enoch’s Church.
She added: “My parents and brothers are buried in that cemetery and while I can see the need to make sure the graves are safe, I think there could have been a more respectful way of notifying families and I can understand why this would leave families in distress.”
There have also been reports of stickers on stones at Lambhill cemetery.
The council spokesman said: “The safety of those working in and visiting our cemeteries is an absolute priority. Regular inspections of headstones is a statutory obligation for the council but the maintenance and upkeep of any memorial is a matter for the owner.
“However, as owners themselves pass on, identifying a person to take responsibility for headstone maintenance can become very challenging.
“Applying these notices to headstones is an effective way to reach out to families and they have helped us to make contact with people who have an interest in undertaking necessary repairs.
“Headstone maintenance is not a service we provide and families must privately engage an appropriate stone mason to complete any work.
“As a last resort, headstones will be laid flat to ensure public safety, although we know this can cause upset to families when they become aware of the poor condition of their family members’ memorial.”