Families fury over Ayr Cemetery torment
The family of a man buried in the water damaged Ayr cemetery have hit out at what they say is a lack of compassion from the council
Last updated 24th May 2022
The family of a man buried in the water-damaged Ayr Cemetery extension have spoken out over what they say is a lack of compassion shown by the council.
James McGarry was laid to rest in the cemetery extension just over two years ago. His family were told of potential water damage in October last year with the mother of his child, Suzann McKenzie, only finding out the situation by chance as she visited his grave.
Family re-living grief
Speaking to Clyde 1, Suzann and James’ sister Christine say the communication from South Ayrshire Council has been dreadful from the off, usually only receiving letters and waiting on calls to be returned.
They say they’ve had to re-live the grief of putting James to rest, which has in turn had a lasting impact on their mental health and the usual practice of taking the kids to his grave to celebrate his life.
Suzann said: “I don’t think this will be something that we’ll be able to come to peace with. I mean we don’t go up and stand at his grave as much as we did before, because you stand there, and I sometimes feel guilty. We know they’re sitting in water as we’ve had it confirmed it’s right to the top.
“The council haven’t even apologised, and they’re not even telling us why this has happened, why is water getting into something that’s supposedly air and water tight.
“The damage is done, and I feel like we’ll never settle with this, and we will always doubt.”
Sisters call for better communication
Christine called for better communication from the council moving forward.
She added: “They’ve in the past issued us standard letters. The same way they’d contact you about your rent or council tax. There is absolutely no compassion.”
“They’re needs to be better communication, because some families are being told conflicting information. Why not meet at a place like they County buildings or the Town Hall.
“Somewhere the families can all meet together and get clear and consistent information and people can get the opportunity to ask questions.”
Works to fix the grave chambers will commence on June 13th – more than 6 months after relatives were told of likely water ingress. The work itself will take place over a period of 4 months, with works to solve similar problems in Troon being pushed back until the Ayr work is complete.
The outgoing administration previously told Clyde 1: "We know that this has been an extremely distressing time for families and lair owners and we are doing everything we can to carry out the works as quickly and respectfully as possible.
"We anticipate that a maximum of two or three chambers will be worked on at any one time and the deceased will be moved to a local facility for several days before they are re-interred."
New Council leader: "Things will be done better from now on."
With the Conservatives taking power in South Ayrshire after a successful local election result, Martin Dowey has been appointed the new Council leader.
Speaking to Clyde 1 he said he’s already spent time trying to figure out how to remedy the situation and better communicate with families. Mr Dowey issued an apology as well as vowing to make it his number one priority.
He said: “I’ll apologise right now.
“The communication has been horrendous, let’s be honest it’s been shocking. These are people re-living their loved ones passing.
“I’ve had a number of meetings on this subject, and it is my number one priority right now. There will be an update on Monday as to how we’re changing our approach and the families will be contacted first through a letter and then a call.”
“We can’t change what has already happened, but we certainly have to treat the relatives with the respect they deserve.
“Things will be done better from now on.”