Leaking tombs forces part of Ayr cemetery to be shut off to mourners

dailyrecord.co.uk:

‘Leaking tombs’ have forced part of an Ayrshire cemetery to be shut off to mourners. People wishing to visit their loved ones' resting place will be unable to do so for at least three weeks after council bosses took the decision to probe water ingress into burial lairs at Ayr Cemetery.It follows a previous council probe after concerns were raised that conditions at the Holmston Road burial grounds were like a ‘mud bath’ last autumn.It is understood ‘above ground’ mausoleum tombs are leaking water and a mourner was left shocked to see water trickling from their beloved’s chamber last year.The mausoleum tombs were installed at a cost of £64,000 per tomb with each structure holding enough space for eight bodies with the first appearing at Ayr Cemetery in 2019.It is understood there are at least a dozen of the mausoleums currently on the site.Now council teams are having to probe the leakage at the newer eastern side of the cemetery for the remainder of the month.Investigation work started on Monday, January 10 with specialist teams called in to carry out the delicate operation.A source has revealed to Ayrshire Live how teams will drill small holes and insert cameras to inspect possible leaks.South Ayrshire Council have ensured mourners the work will be carried out “respectfully and safely”.Access to the Ayr extension Butterfly Baby and Cremated Remains section will still be available.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire