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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Carla Talbot

Gravestones for children killed in cinema tragedy toppled after they're branded 'hazardous'

Headstones on graves belonging to children killed in a horrific cinema tragedy have been branded a hazard by council chiefs.

The memorials have been toppled and could remain that way unless relatives paid to have repairs carried out.

Pictures show stones belonging to three year old Thomas Jackson; Margaret Gibson, eight; John Cochran Bell, 10; and Caroline Campbell Brain, seven, lying on the ground, the Paisley Daily Express reports.

They were among 71 youngsters killed in Paisley's Glen Cinema disaster in 1929.

Renfrewshire Council insists lair holders are responsible for repairs, but it is not known if anyone is still alive to foot the bill.

Every year since 2009, a memorial is held to remember the children lost in what is still today considered one of Scotland’s greatest tragedies.

It happened when a smoking film canister caused a panic during a packed children’s matinee with more than 600 youngsters present.

The main escape doors were locked and only opened inwards, leading to a fatal crush.

The council insists they are complying with Scottish Government guidance, and the headstones will be "sensitively preserved".

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for visitors and our staff in Renfrewshire cemeteries and churchyards, with all work carried out as respectfully as possible.

Thomas Jackson was just three-years-old when he died (Paisley Daily Express)

“The Scottish Government published guidance in 2019 to ensure memorial safety following the tragic death of a child in a Scottish cemetery and, following this, we introduced a policy for the inspection of memorial monuments and headstones and any dangerous or unsafe memorials are laid flat to ensure the safety of all staff and visitors.

“We recognise the sensitivities and importance of these graves and we will continue to ensure they are managed respectfully and sensitively preserved while we carry out the required safety measures.

“It is unfortunately not possible to reach lair owners in advance of an inspection, but marker notices and signage at each cemetery is in place to provide lair holders with information to contact us for details on how to ensure their memorial meets the safety standards."

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