The bereaved have been unable to set up lasting memorials to their deceased family members because the ground at the new extension on the Muslim section of Linn Cemetery in Glasgow is so water-logged, our sister title The National has learned.
Tracy Hakeem, whose husband Andy was buried in the cemetery on December 17 last year, is among those affected and told this paper: “They’re just sticking people willy nilly wherever they can find a space. You’re paying the council about £3200 to put your loved one into a puddle, it’s disgusting.”
She added: “We can’t get a gravestone.”
READ MORE: Residents claim they are facing ‘£100’ fines amid fight against parking restrictions
Works have been carried out at the site by East Kilbride-based engineering firm Covanburn.
Conditions were “even worse” on the day she put to rest her husband, said Hakeem. “I went to go put some flowers down and my shoe got stuck in the mud and I nearly fell in.”
She added: “How would they feel if that was one of their loved ones?”
Hakeem, of Langbank, Renfrewshire, said that other burial sites were in even worse condition than where her husband had been laid to rest.
Tracy and Andy Hakeem (Image: Supplied)
“There’s worse. If you go past his on the right hand side, there’s one there you wouldn’t even know it’s a grave, it’s just a big puddle,” she said.
“There’s people that are buried that don’t have loved ones to go up, they’ve just got a wee stick to say [number of the plot].”
A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of difficulties with ground conditions in the Muslim section of Linn Cemetery and we are sorry for any upset that’s been caused.
“Plans are being put in place to address the current issues with drainage but we are also working on improving paths and the landscape around the site.
READ MORE: Teen rushed to hospital after assault involving school pupils at park
“Heavy rainfall over the winter period has saturated the clay-based ground in the cemetery and excavations for graves can also impact on the ability of the soil to drain efficiently for some time afterwards.
“However, we will continue to work with our contractor to bring the site up to the required standard.
“Graves are laid out in line with faith requirements and we have also been identifying locations within the cemetery to minimise the impact of current ground conditions.”
Covanburn was unavailable for comment when approached by The National.
The firm has previously advertised its work at the cemetery on social media and in an Instagram post from February said: “When our work takes us to these places of grief, reflection and comfort we carry it out with the utmost respect and care for our surroundings.”
