Who is responsible for safety in churchyards and consecrated areas of cemeteries? It is a question of increasing concern (and some confusion) to the clergy, the public and local authorities.

How far should Councils, as occupiers of churchyards closed by Order of the Privy Council, be expected to go to restore monuments to a safe condition? Who should take the lead and carry the cost? As local authorities are liable for safety in all public places in their area, are they enforcing health and safety standards in open churchyards? How many graves should and could be re-used?

The law is not clear on these and other issues but pressure from the Health, Safety, Ethical & Environmental Executive and worry about injury claims are causing concern to authorities.

The opening session at the Association of Burial Authorities\' Grounds for Burial Conference on May 17 will address these issues. The session will be lead by Dean of the Arches Sheila Cameron CBE, QC.

The Keynote address will be given by Chancellor Timothy Briden from the Diocese of Bath and Wells. He presided over the landmark case in which Lambeth Borough Council was criticised for a \'lawn conversion\' programme in a consecrated area of West Norwood Cemetery without first applying for a faculty.

He also gave judgment in a case against Keynsham Town Council, whose methods of making safe memorials in a consecrated section were challenged.

New systems for providing faculties for memorial safety work have been developed in the Diocese of Bath and Wells and Chancellor Briden will describe their operation.

The conference is being held in the Polish Association Club House, opposite the memorial gardens in Church Lane, Stoke Poges, near Slough, Buckinghamshire. Attendance fee is £75 (£60 for ABA members), including refreshments and a buffet lunch. To reserve a place contact the ABA. Tel: 020 7288 2522