10/11/2009

Melrose and Newstead opinion split over crematorium decision

Scottish Borders Council should have consulted more with local residents in Melrose and Newstead before progressing plans for a new crematorium next to Waird’s cemetery SNP MSP Christine Grahame has said. Ms Grahame who is currently receiving hundreds of consultation responses from residents claims local people were evenly split on the whether the proposal should go ahead near Melrose following an extensive consultation she has undertaken of local views. Ms Grahame said:

“I am still receiving responses but it is clear more could have and should have been done by Scottish Borders Council to explain the proposals for a new crematorium to local people.

“At the moment it looks like views on the crematorium have split local opinion evenly down the middle, with many residents asking why the Council themselves did not ask for local opinion by means of their own consultation survey.

“The Council this week approved the proposals which will now go before Scottish Ministers for a final decision. I will be passing the full results of my own consultation to the Council and Ministers for their consideration once it is complete so they can see for themselves the range of opinion locally on this significant development.”

SNP It’s time.....