URGENT repairs are to be made to headstones in a Ferryhill cemetery to prevent a repeat of a recent tragedy elsewhere, in which a boy died.

Ferryhill Town Council has moved quickly to inspect headstones in Duncombe Cemetery, after a six-year-old boy was crushed to death by a falling gravestone in Harrogate.

The council has bought a machine called a topple tester, to make sure headstones are not likely to fall over. About 60 headstones in the cemetery failed the test.

The council is only liable for the headstones if they become dangerous, but it has to act in such cases, otherwise it could be liable to actions for negligence.

Jamie Corrigan, the council's executive officer, said: "Hopefully all we have to do is make them safe by laying them flat.

"But if we can shore them up and get them to pass the test by carrying out the repairs we will do that."

The headstones are owned by the next of kin, but some of the stones needing attention are more than 100 years old.

The council has written to as many people as it can find who are registered owners and many are aware of the situation.

A list of affected stones has also been posted in the cemetery and on the notice board outside the town hall.

Mr Corrigan said: "We are telling people they are quite at liberty to get their own stonemason, who may be able to carry out greater repairs than we can.

"It will be at their own cost, but it will ensure that the headstone can remain upright if that is what they want."

He said: "From the council's point of view, we have got to be sympathetic to people's feelings. But the priority has got to be the health and safety of the people who use the cemetery.

"The members of the council are very concerned that they don't want anything similar to the Harrogate tragedy happening in Ferryhill. We felt we had a duty to be as safe as we possibly can."

Anyone who owns a headstone can check the list of names at the cemetery, near Cleves Avenue, or the town hall. Alternatively, contact the council on (01740) 652157, for details.