Grave threat

Feb 22 2006 By Andrew Hirst, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE topple tester is a small hand- held device which is placed against the headstone.

350 Newtons of pressure is applied.

The system works on a traffic light system.

If the gravestone fails the pressure test, the light goes red and the stone is laid flat.

If the stone shows movement that turns the light amber it is checked again after one year. If the stone is firm, the light turns green and the stone is re-tested after five years.

Stones that are reinstated are also re-tested after five years.

Many seem secure from the front but are unstable when tested from behind.