Ayr Cemetery extension closed for work to repair lairs

The extension will be closed Monday to Saturday, from June 13, for an estimated period of four months.

Friends and relatives of those interred in the extension will still be able to visit on Sundays.

The Advertiser reported in October how families of the deceased where horrified at the state of lairs at the extension, with water ingress feared in the tombs, which were supposed to be airtight and watertight. Conditions were like a 'mudbath', one person said.

Earlier this year, South Ayrshire Council said that similar problems had been noted at Troon Cemetery.

In response the council arranged investigations into the leaks and they have now, finally, confirmed that work will begin to address the issue.

The work will begin "on or around Monday, June 13, 2022," according to the council. Work on Troon will begin when Ayr has been completed, they add.

A council spokesperson said: "We can confirm that we now have a plan in place to rectify the issue of water found in chambers at Ayr and Troon Cemetery extensions.

"The initial start date for the programme of works at Ayr Cemetery extension will be on or around Monday, June 13, 2022. 

"It is anticipated that these works will take approximately four months to complete, however this will depend on a number of factors, such as weather conditions.

"Troon Cemetery works will commence once Ayr Cemetery has been completed, and we will be able to provide a definitive date to lair owners for this in due course.

"We have been in contact with the affected lair owners to seek the relevant permissions to proceed with the programme of works. 

"Ayr Cemetery extension will be closed Monday – Saturday each week for the duration of the works, but will be open to the public on Sundays.

"We know that this has been an extremely distressing time for families and lair owners, who we have remained in regular contact with, and will continue to do so throughout this process."