COUNCILLORS are meeting to discuss the lack of progress in repairs to dangerous headstones in north Durham cemeteries.

Derwentside District Council is being advised to pay for a survey to be carried out to evaluate the safety of its graveyards.

A phased programme of work will then be carried out at a cost of £1.1m.

No grounds maintenance has been carried out in closed churchyards for the past two years.

The council has 17 churchyards where concerns have been raised about the safety of headstones. It is due to inherit another at Medomsley when it becomes full.

A council report said a survey would allow the council to resume its maintenance responsibilities.

"It will remove a dangerous liability which currently exists, putting at risk, not only council staff, but the general public."

A decision will be made at the executive committee meeting, which is being at the Civic Centre, in Consett, on Monday at 4.30pm.