Drainage solution works underway at Clovenside Cemetery
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THE local authority has started work to design a solution to prevent repeat flooding at Forres’ working graveyard.
In October, families were saddened by a flood in the centre of Clovenside Cemetery behind Forbeshill which left gravestones underwater.
Ever since then, Moray Council has been investigating a permanent solution to the problem.
Councillor George Alexander (Forres, Independent) confirmed work is under way to cost the preferred drainage system, described as a “rain garden”.
He said: “The flooding is upsetting for those who have relatives or friends buried in the affected area. It is unfortunate that the problem was not foreseen earlier. Officers have undertaken a site assessment and a test dig, and considered a number of options. Work is under way to design and cost our preferred rain garden drainage, which will provide the most natural and fitting solution.”
Water ponds at the deepest point when rain is heavy. However, the council states the water currently drains away in time to have no impact on the integrity of the graves.
Fellow local councillor Aaron McLean (SNP) said: “It is good that improvement work is progressing, especially as we are still in lockdown.
“We await the report and the options put forward.”
Their colleague Claire Feaver (Conservative) also welcomes the design and costing work.
She said: “It was heartbreaking for visitors to see the cemetery in such a state. I hope the remedial work can be carried out quickly and with as little disturbance as possible. Hopefully, there will be no repeat of the awful scenes from last year.”
Scottish Conservative MP for Moray, Douglas Ross, was contacted by constituents worried about the deluge.
He said: “Last October was not an isolated incident, so the fact that a plan is now in place and work is commencing will be welcomed.”
