Crematorium site a ‘disgrace’

Jan 8 2009 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

Crematorium site a ‘disgrace’

CONCERNS were this week raised over the upkeep of the interment section of South Lanarkshire Crematorium.

The section of the crematorium in Sydes Brae, Blantyre, where ashes are interred is reported to be waterlogged, muddy and slippy underfoot, creating safety fears for people visiting.

One resident, who visits the site regularly, branded the area “a disgrace” and called on the council to do more about the area which she said was in a poor, neglected condition.

The £3.5m facility openedin September 2006 and isSouth Lanarkshire’s firstcrematorium.

The council received an award for its combined bereavement service of cemeteries and crematorium.

Since opening, there has been 2700 cremations at the complex.

A spokesman for South Lanarkshire Council said: “We are aware of the problem at the interment section of the crematorium. The original plan was to leave the area as a naturalŠ grassy area, but unfortunately, after drainage was put in, the area failed to dry out as hoped. We, therefore, now plan to provide footpaths. Weather permitting, these works will start very soon and be completed in early spring.

“We have recently completed the building of a paved area for disabled access, memorial walls and a children’s memorial garden at a cost approximately £25,000.”

Blantyre councillor Bert Thomson said: “South Lanarkshire is an award-winning council for crematoriums.

“They have been praised throughout the land from service users, so it is concerning to hear that complaints have been made.

“I will be contacting the crematorium manager and asking him to have a look at these concerns and deal with them as a matter of urgency.”

He added: “We want to make sure that people feel comfortable going to visit the site and I will certainly be pushing to make sure that does happen.”

The complex has the largest cremation facility in Scotland and can take coffins up to 42 inches wide.

Tree planting and rose beds are planned to be installed for the spring growing season and a further memorial garden will also be put in place.