FOUR gravestones were damaged when a piece of equipment went out of control while being used in a cemetery.

Workers were resurfacing the main drive of Larpool Lane cemetery in Whitby when the machine they were using jumped into gear and collided with the headstones.

Scarborough Borough Council, which looks after the cemetery, says the damaged headstones are of considerable age.

However, it is attempting to trace relatives so they can be informed of the incident and reassured action is being taken to repair the damaged gravestones, as soon as possible.

The contractors have engaged a stone mason to make the damaged headstones safe and say they will bear the full cost of repairs.

Head of environmental services Andy Skelton said: “The contractors informed us of the incident as soon as it happened and engaged a stone mason with a view to making the headstones safe before full repairs are carried out.

“This accident has clearly had unfortunate consequences. However, I am satisfied with the action taken by the contractors so far and hope the headstones can be repaired as soon as possible.

“We are currently trying to trace family members as we want to make them aware of this incident. If there are relatives affected, we would be pleased to speak to them. They can contact our cemetery superintendent on 01723-354393.”