Mackie Memorials has been suspended from operating in council cemeteries as Wirral Council and Merseyside Police investigate complaints about the memorial business
A memorial and headstone business described as the “oldest” in its region has been barred from local cemeteries after 138 years in business.
Mackie Memorials has been banned from Wirral’s cemeteries and is currently under investigation by both Wirral Council and Merseyside Police. Mackie Memorials, a Wirral-based firm specialising in bespoke memorials and headstones for its clientele, previously had a presence in Birkenhead, with its Liscard branch now shut down.
Formerly known as E. F. Mackie Limited and originally located on Rake Lane in Wallasey, the independent business was taken over by Thomas Smith in 2023, who subsequently established a shop on Liscard Way. Over the years, Mackie Memorials claims to have supplied approximately 100,000 headstones since its inception in 1887, including work on the Beatles statues, the Anglican Cathedral, and Everton Football Club’s Goodison Park.
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A press release from 2023 stated: “The family business has developed a fantastic reputation over the years and Thomas understands how important this is to maintain.” However, following complaints received by the local authority’s cemetery service, Wirral Council is now encouraging individuals to report the company to the police, reports the Liverpool Echo.
A spokesperson confirmed that the company has been prohibited from operating in council cemeteries, and Merseyside Police has also confirmed that it is collaborating with the local authority. Emails reveal Wirral Council officials referencing “difficulties that we are being advised people are experiencing with Mackie Memorials” and confirm the authority is “strongly encouraging them to report their experiences” to police.
One council official stated: “We appreciate you bringing this matter to our attention, and we understand how concerning and distressing such issues can be.” Residents are being urged to lodge complaints via Report Fraud, the UK’s national service for reporting cybercrime and fraud, alongside Merseyside Police.
The email, seen by the Echo, said: “By submitting a report, you will enable Merseyside Police to review the intelligence they receive and determine whether any enforcement action can be taken in relation to the allegations surrounding the business practices of Mackie’s Memorials.”
A Wirral Council spokesperson confirmed: “As a result of ongoing concerns over Mackie Memorials, Wirral Council has suspended the company from operating in council cemeteries and is considering its longer-term exclusion from the Memorial Mason Registration Scheme due to its conduct.
“If residents have concerns over the service they have received from Mackie Memorials they are encouraged to report the matter through official channels – Citizens Advice Consumer Service, Report Fraud – the UK’s national service for reporting cybercrime and fraud and Merseyside Police.”
Upon assuming control of the firm in 2023, Mr Smith declared: “It’s no small task to carry the mantle and maintain a reputation of over 135 years but it’s one I take great pride in. Effectively we are an important part of the life and death process and an important part of someone’s journey of grief – it’s an important role and one I don’t take lightly.”
Companies House records indicate that Mackie Memorials Limited’s accounts and confirmation statement are currently overdue. On March 3, an application was lodged to strike off the company, after the council dispatched an email to those who have reported alleged issues.
Yet, the following day, Companies House announced that the “compulsory strike-off action has been suspended”.
