No to new cemetery in Kirkintilloch – Bishopbriggs graveyard will be extended instead

The Old Aisle Cemetery in Kirkintilloch is nearing capacity and two options for a replacement were put forward.

Councillors have backed plans to extend Cadder Cemetery, in Bishopbriggs, at a cost of around £2million.

The other option was to build a new cemetery in Kirkintilloch at a cost of more than £3million.

A report to the development and infrastructure committee says that no suitable land has been identified in Kirkintilloch which is available for purchase. To secure land would require a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).

However, it was felt a CPO would not succeed as the council has already identified a suitable alternative solution.

Lenzie and Kirkintilloch South councillor Gillian Renwick said: “I think this is a disgraceful decision. This has been a very emotive topic. From responses that I received, an overwhelming number of people were in support of something local.

“People come to Kirkintilloch to go to the Old Aisle Cemetery. This is about preserving a sense of history and community in Kirkintilloch.”

A consultation on the options was carried out in 2009 with various groups including churches, religious groups and residents’ associations.

The council said that while a low level of responses were received, the majority of respondents were in favour of a new cemetery being created in Kirkintilloch.

The decision will go to a full council meeting for final approval.

David Devine, the council’s head of roads and neighbourhood services, said: “This is a very welcome decision and will ensure that ongoing cemetery provision within East Dunbartonshire is maintained.”

He added: “The land beside Old Aisle Cemetery at Woodilee was the site of an old quarry and was an unsuitable location for a cemetery.

“Only a limited number of locations are suitable for the provision of a cemetery as they need to be above the flood plain and have over seven feet of top soil depth without hitting the water table or rock.”

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