South Ayrshire Council

Thoughtless Car Drivers At Ayr Cemetery

A listed stone wall, areas of burial ground and landscaping have been damaged at Ayr Cemetery.

During opening hours there is restricted vehicle access at Ayr Cemetery and no driver should take their vehicle across landscaping or burial areas.

Over the last 10 years more and more members of the public have been driving into Ayr Cemetery to pay respects to their loved ones, this is now causing serious congestion problems and damage to graves. Most roads in the cemetery are not wide enough to allow two cars to pass and unbelievably many cars pass by driving on what they think are ‘grass verges’ but are actually graves. In addition a section of wall has now been damaged by a car.

Councillor Peter Convery, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Carrier for Sustainability and the Environment said: “I was appalled when I saw the damage that has been caused at Ayr Cemetery by thoughtless drivers. To drive across burial areas is disrespectful to those who are buried there, and to the relatives who visit the graves and tend to them. The Council does not want to restrict access to the Cemetery, but the public must be aware that visitors should park outside the Cemetery on Holmston Road or Forehiill Road and use the pedestrian entrances. Only people with disabilities or older people, who need to bring a vehicle into the cemetery should do so.

”I would ask those who need to take a vehicle into this or any other cemetery drive carefully, considerately and show respect for the area, people who are visiting and those who have been laid to rest there.”

Staff will be keeping a close eye on the number of vehicles using the Cemetery over the next few weeks and leaflets reinforcing the message will be handed out to members of the public.

July 2007