GLASGOW City Council has been branded "disrespectful" after warning notices were stuck onto headstones that did not reach safety standards.
Notices have been stuck onto headstones in Riddrie Park Cemetery stating: " Warning. This memorial was inspected on [date] and has failed to meet the required safety standard."
One person, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Glasgow Times they understood why people need to be alerted about unsafe headstones but did not think placing a sticker on them was the right way to do so.
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They said: "I think putting a sticker on headstones is disrespectful and there could be another way for the council to contact people.
"What if the sticker leaves a mark on the headstone?"
A post about the stickers was also shared on the Carntyne & Riddrie Information Page.
One person commented on a picture of the notice: "That's so disrespectful."
Another said: B****y shocking and disrespectful. Shame on council."
A third agreed: "How disrespectful absolutely shocking.
"Surely the council knows who owns the plot for contact, to put a large sticker on the front of headstones is disgusting."
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A spokesperson for the council highlighted that regular inspections of headstones is a statutory obligation.
They said identifying the person responsible for a headstone can become challenging as people pass on and the notices are an effective way of reaching people.
They said families have to privately engage with a stone mason to carry out the work and headstone maintenance is not a service the council provides.
Since 2015, all memorials in council cemeteries are inspected at least once every five years.
It comes after Ciaran Williamson tragically died after a headstone fell on him at Craigton Cemetery in Cardonald in May 2015.
The eight-year-old suffered two skull fractures and injuries to his heart and liver.
A Fatal Accident Inquiry in 2018 concluded the council could have prevented the tragedy and recommended that new memorial safety guidance be sent to all Scottish local authorities.
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council 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."
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