SAFETY inspections at six of Pendle's cemeteries will begin in West Craven on Monday.

Notices were put up on cemetery gates in advance to let relatives know of the survey and the inspection was arranged for after Christmas out of sensitivity to those who pay their respects to loved ones at this time of year.

It is an essential duty for Pendle Council to carry out yearly checks to ensure the safety of visitors to the cemeteries and secure unstable monuments and headstones.

Cemeteries involved include Barnoldswick, Earby, Salterforth, Barrowford, Colne and Nelson.

Any unsafe memorials will be lowered to the ground immediately and the grave owner will be contacted and told of the situation.

Anyone wanting to discuss the condition of a memorial in any of the cemeteries can contact Colin Patten, the parks and cemeteries manager, on 01282 661600 or call in to the offices which are open seven days a week at Marsden Hall Farm at the top of Marsden Park.