PEOPLE will have to pay more towards maintaining their relatives' graves under plans to improve safety in cemeteries.

The scheme has been devised by Darlington Borough Council to improve safety at the town's three burial sites: North Road Cemetery, West Cemetery in Carmel Road North and East Cemetery in Geneva Road.

The period of time relatives can apply to erect a memorial will also be reduced from 50 years to 30 years.

The move follows a national requirement by the Health and Safety Executive that councils carry out regular inspections of graveyards.

In July 2000, Reuben Powell, six, was crushed under a headstone at Grove Road Cemetery in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. As a result, the Health and Safety Executive has been carrying out a review of safety procedures.

In a report to be presented to the council's public protection forum tomorrow, the authority's director of development and environment, John Buxton, said while there had been no fatalities in Darlington, injuries could occur unless inspection and remedial measures were carried out.

He said many memorials in the town posed a threat to visitors because they were unstable or in disrepair.

As well as the town's three cemeteries, churchyards at St Cuthbert's, Holy Trinity, Hurworth, Haughton and Bishopton will be included in the scheme.

It is estimated there are 20,000 to 25,000 memorials in the council's three cemeteries.

The proposals will mean anyone applying for a new memorial will only be able to purchase a term of 30 years, instead of 50 years, but this can be renewed after the term ends. Regular five-year inspections of gravestones will also be made. The memorial fee paid by families is due to increase under the changes.

Existing graves that pose an immediate threat to safety will be removed and placed face up with a note left advising relatives of the work.

Mr Buxton said there would not be time to contact families prior to the removal but attempts would be made to trace owners afterwards.

He advised councillors there could be adverse reactions to the plans by families.

An inspection at East Cemetery is due to start shortly, and equipment used to test gravestones has been purchased in preparation.