Tombstones that kill and injure, the shortage of grave space, re-use of graves, cemeteries as parks and tourist attractions in Europe and concept cemeteries. These are among topics that will be discussed at the Grounds for Burial Conference in Brompton Cemetery Chapel in West London, 4-5 April.

The Government set up an advisory group to look into issues of management and legislation of burial grounds more than a year ago, and the conference will hear of its work and progress.

There have been five deaths caused by falling tombstones in the last nine years, the most recent in a Salford churchyard in November 2002. A child killed in a Harrogate cemetery in 2000 resulted in major changes that could set the style for national regulations. The Harrogate systems will be revealed to the conference.

The President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, has described the Association of Significant Cemeteries of Europe (ASCE) as "embodying the spirit of Europe being united through its diverse and invaluable cultures".

The President of the ASCE, Mauro Felicori from Bologna, Italy, will present a keynote speech at the London conference.

On the second day of the conference, Awards will be presented to the winners in the revived Phoenix Awards cemetery design competition, now called the Stoneguard Phoenix Awards. There will also be a display of entries into the competition during the conference.

The conference will be accompanied by a small, tabletop exhibition of products and services of interest to the managers of burial grounds.

Fee to attend, including lunch and refreshments, is £125 for both days or £75 for either single day.

Members of the Association of Burial Authorities, who are organising the event, benefit from a reduced fee.

To register, contact;