Published on:
28
May 2003
More than £1 million pounds could be invested in Clackmannanshire's cemeteries over the next ten years.
A comprehensive strategy is now in place which sets out future investment plans for all Clackmannanshire cemeteries.
Councillor Billy Calder, Convener of the Enterprise and Environment Committee said: "The strategy includes the work carried out in 2001 which looked at the provision of burial space in the Hillfoots.
"We have a comprehensive strategy in place which covers all of Clackmannanshire and maps out the future investment needed to improve our cemeteries. Now we need to make sure that the money needed to fund the improvements is available in the coming years so we can continue to provide a quality burial service by providing well planned and maintained cemeteries for local people."
In October 2001 a strategy for the three Hillfoots cemeteries was approved which provided a clear picture of current capacity, future developments and costing for new burial space in the Hillfoots. The three year action plan aimed to provide better car parking facilities and extend the combined lifespan of all four cemeteries by 369 years.
Now the new strategy includes Sunnyside, Tullibody and Clackmannan cemeteries with plans to extend the combined lifespan of all three by 155 years.
Work will get underway at both Dollar and Sunnyside cemeteries during the current financial year with a £25,000 investment for an extension and road and drainage works.
However more than £160,000 could be spent in 2004/05 - subject to budget approval - on a new surface at Alva Cemetery car park and an extension at Sunnyside Cemetery.
"The strategy tells us where we are now and what we have to do to ensure there is sufficient burial space over the next 30 years. Now we need to commit resources to making sure that this happens."