Search for new land as upgrade planned for cemetery
A green-fingered Avondale group are looking for locals to show the best sights of the summer for their latest calendar.
Strathaven in Bloom are looking for snaps of the biggest moments and best snaps for their annual fundraiser.
With the town currently decked out in gala bunting, with lots of colour and some sunny days in the past few weeks SiB are calling for some of the best snaps from around the town to be submitted.
The committee say they are in need of support to produce the annual calendar.
Committee members said it was “a good excuse to get out and about around Strathaven to catch that early morning light in the park” or “the evening glow highlighting the old buildings in the town.”
They were also keen to feature shots of the raft race and Gala week.
The Bloom team are aiming for photographs which are recognisably from Strathaven and Strathaven landmarks.
Linda Cameron of SiB added that there is no age restriction on entries.
She said: “We are really looking to put a focus on Strathaven this year.”
“In previous years we have taken contributions of other locations from local MARK PIRIE
A Strathaven councillor claims work has been given the green light to improve Avondale cemeteries.
Avondale and Stonehouse councillor Margaret Cooper previously stated that the town and South Lanarkshire Council were “under pressure” to expand capacity for burials.
The independent councillor was keen to see people who own “suitable land” around the town open a dialogue with council chiefs.
While Councillor Cooper said that “negotiations and the search for a new cemetery for the town continue” she was delighted that work will take place to overhaul Strathaven cemetery.
She told the News: “Following a recent discussion I have had with council officers and a site visit, an extensive programme of upgrading will be carried out in the existing cemeteries.
“This is thanks to the generosity of Paterson Partners who established a one-off substantial fund to facilitate the works and who asked me to act on their behalf.
“Over the next six to nine months you will see roads and pathways repaired or renewed, as well as removal and cutting back of foliage.
“Bushes damaging or tipping memorials and self-seeded trees will also be removed.
“Security and safety of memorials will be increased, and railings will be renewed, painted and introduced where necessary.
“There will also be landscaping to include wild flower areas.
“These are some of the improvements scheduled to take place.
“Please be patient as this is an extensive schedule of work but over time you will see a vast improvement.”
Head of facilities, waste and grounds at South Lanarkshire Council, Alistair McKinnon, said: “The council’s grounds services manager has been in discussion with Councillor Cooper on a range of infrastructure matters in Strathaven Cemetery and will look to finalise the requirements in the coming weeks.
“These discussions are specific to Strathaven Cemetery at this time.”