Falmouth Council to Pay for Storm-Damaged Headstone Repairs

A storm that tore through Cornwall in January has left a trail of damage few would have expected to find in a cemetery.

Falmouth Town Council has identified a number of headstones damaged when trees came down during Storm Goretti in January 2026. Recent memorial inspections have found that some of the affected memorials have become unstable, failed safety tests, been broken, or been knocked over.

Council to Cover Repair Costs

Responsibility for repairing damaged memorials normally sits with the grave owner. On this occasion, because of what the Town Council has described as the unprecedented nature of the storm damage, the Council will cover the cost of reasonable reinstatement repairs itself.

What Grave Owners Need to Do

Grave owners, or family members acting on their behalf, are being asked to get in touch with the Town Council to confirm whether they agree to repair works being arranged on their behalf.

The deadline for making contact is 30th June 2026. If the Council does not hear from a grave owner by that date, it will appoint an accredited stonemason to carry out any necessary repairs.

Anyone affected can reach the Town Council Office on 01326 315559 or by email at [email protected].