Part of Ayr Cemetery has been closed to the public to allow investigation work to be conducted following fears of leaks at the site.

South Ayrshire Council closed a section of the site yesterday for a period of three weeks to allow their teams to assess the ground conditions in the newest part of the cemetery, on its eastern edge.

The Advertiser reported in October last year how families of those interred at the site were concerned that the area was becoming a ‘mud bath’ and that water had been leaking into lairs.

In response to a query from the Advertiser in September, the council responded: “Following a concern raised by a member of the public, we are arranging to carry out checks on all the chambers as quickly as possible, and will keep the owners of each lair informed.”

Now work will begin, with the council confirming the news last week.

A spokesperson said: “Ayr Cemetery extension’s Chamber Section will close to the public on Monday, January 10 for approximately three weeks to allow an investigation into the ground conditions to take place.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause through the duration of the works, and we will keep you updated when the extension will re-open.

“Access to the Ayr extension Butterfly Baby and Cremated Remains Section section will still be available during this time.”