Glasgow families left 'disgusted' after warning stickers placed on gravestones

dailyrecord.co.uk:

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.