Disrespecting the dead in this way is simply inexcusable

Jan 15 2009 by Margaret Shaw, Hamilton Advertiser

I READ the article on South Lanarkshire Crematorium in last week’s Advertiser with great interest. I have to agree that the interment area within the memorial garden is an affront, a disgrace and completely disrespectful to those whose ashes had to be interred there because the crematorium do/did not scatter ashes.

The rest of the crematorium is lovely and its upkeep is of a high quality. Regrettably, this area is the complete opposite, with no noticeable improvement having been made in the 3½ years the crematorium has been open. All improvements seem to have been made outside the actual area itself.

Because of my concerns I met with the crematorium manger and councillor Thomson a year ago, when I was basically told the same as stated in the article – but no significant improvement has been made. A path goes into the interment area for a few feet only. Plaques at ground level identifying the different areas have been put in but to read these and get to the area you want to visit, you are up to your ankles in mud and muck.

I realise it’s winter, but three summers have come and gone with little improvement. The area is fenced off with fir-type trees, which are now either dead, dying or have been removed.

There is now a wall in the middle of the ‘field’ which looks ridiculous at present. While I dearly hope the improvements and planting mentioned do take place, and quickly, they have had 3½ years to do this with little actually having been done.

Surely this area should have been made respectfully fit for purpose before the crematorium opened? It was not, and given that 3½ years have passed surely there can be no excuse for its abominable state?

All other areas are lovely and well maintained. This area should be too, but I won’t hold my breath.

It is heartbreaking to visit such a disrespectful place.

Name and address supplied.