Grave memorials

Only Approved memorial masons are authorised to work within our cemeteries. A Memorial Permit must be submitted, with the owner’s signature, before any work is carried out.

The grave owner is the person who holds the exclusive right of burial. They are the only person who can authorise a Memorial Mason to apply to the council for the installation of a new headstone. This also applies to any work carried out to an existing headstone such as the addition of an inscription. 

The memorial mason will complete the application and payment on your behalf. You will need to provide proof that that you are the holder of the exclusive right of burial or the last applicant for interment. 

Fees

Your stonemason will advise on the costs when you buy a headstone memorial. You will also need to pay the fee to install the headstone on the grave. This is paid directly to the stonemason.  

Memorial safety and insurance

Wirral Council is responsible for cemetery maintenance. Grave owners must make sure the headstone is adequately installed, stable and does not pose a danger to the public. 

We will carry out inspections to identify memorials which may pose a danger. If we find any safety issues we will take appropriate action. This may include laying down the memorial to prevent it from falling or causing damage. 

We recommend that you take out an insurance policy for your memorial. It should cover accidental damage, theft and vandalism. The council cannot be held responsible for such acts. You can take out an appropriate insurance policy from your chosen memorial mason. 

Registered memorial masons

All memorial works must be carried out to the British Standard (BS8415). 

We want to ensure acceptable standards of workmanship across Wirral's cemeteries. To support this we have introduced a Memorial Masons Registration Scheme. When installing a memorial or adding kerbs or an inscription, you must use a memorial mason who is a registered member of this scheme. 

A mason's inclusion in this scheme does not mean that the work is guaranteed by Wirral Council. The list is not a recommendation of a memorial mason. Other masons may be members of the scheme. If they are not listed below, ask your selected mason if they are approved.