At Sanquhar cemetery the anticipated capacity left is 19 years. As this is similar to Dumfries where discussions are underway to identify new sites why are similar discussions not taking place in Sanquhar? In Kirkconnel it was stated that The Heritage Society is willing to work with the Council to dig paths to save costs and work in partnership on a longer term project to develop more paths and resolve drainage issues In Upper Nithsdale a question was asked regarding what the council policy is in relation to leaning gravestones – fixing, maintaining and tidying around them? In Upper Nithsdale some areas of some of the graveyards need levelled to improve the look of the ground, to make grass cutting easier and for safety reasons. Adding top soil and grass seed where required may be acceptable but may require further consultation with individual communities. The capacity at Sanquhar Cemetery at the end of 2017 was 20.5 and St. Michael’s Cemetery 17.5 years. That same year 10 lairs were sold in Sanquhar compared to 35 in St. Michael’s, therefore, currently there is not the same urgency to identify a new site for Sanquhar. This joint working is currently taking place. and we are grateful to the Community for their interest and civic pride as well as their continued support Council policy states that dangerous headstones are made safe by laying them flat. The responsibility for headstones lies with the lair holder. Yes, this is an issue from time to time and Officers deal with this by using excess soil from new graves when this is available. We asked you about school crossing patrols You Said We are doing… or we can’t because… In Sanquhar there are no issues with the current school crossing patrol arrangements. It is felt that the two crossing patrol officers provide a valuable service and that the community needs them retained at both locations for both the morning and afternoon sessions. During periods of staff absence the Community Assets Supervisor will arrange cover.
Could a communication be included in the letter which goes to every household in D & G re the Council Tax to reach potential new volunteers, promote the benefits of volunteering and the types of projects volunteers could become involved with in their communities? These are good ideas; we will take them on board for future promotional campaigns. We asked if there were any other ‘Streetscene’ issues You said We are doing… or we can’t because… In Upper Nithsdale it was asked whether the Garden Maintenance Scheme run by the Council could go to a private company or could people be encouraged to set up small grass cutting businesses to take on this work in order to free up Council resources? The presentation slides used tonight highlighted Dumfries town centre. Nithsdale goes beyond Dumfries Town Centre. should have been more focus on our local area. In Sanquhar the public toilets are ancient and antiquated and they are in desperate need of refurbishment. The toilets are well used but there are no locks on the doors. Could we charge for entry to help with maintenance costs? In Sanquhar another solution for public toilet provision could be to look at new toilet provision and consider working in partnership with groups to site toilets at one of the This option would not reduce budget costs. Also, because the Council employs “seasonal” staff to undertake this work it would not free up any resources. We will take this comment on for future events, thank you. All repairs have now been carried out. There is no funding available for the provision of new toilets.