Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Community Assets and Ward Working teams are holding a series of community conversation events across the region this month to consult on a new burial strategy for Dumfries and Galloway.
Community conversations are an opportunity for residents, business and stakeholders to engage directly with the council, and to help shape the new strategy. There will be an event in each of the council’s twelve wards, as well as two online events.
A burial strategy is a requirement of the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016. The new strategy will help shape the future management of our service, the maintenance of the council’s 187 cemeteries and churchyards, as well as how the council would develop new cemetery sites.
The chair of the council’s Communities Committee, Ian Blake said: “Please do attend one of the twelve community conversation events, and have your voice heard. It is important that the new burial strategy is shaped by residents, businesses and stakeholders. Staff will be at events to provide information, listen to your views, and to support you in completing the consultation survey.”
Jackie McCamon, vice chair of Communities committee, said: “This is an important consultation, and one that many people will have a view on. The council manages 187 cemeteries and churchyards, the second highest number in Scotland, and we want to make sure we are doing it right. If you can’t make one of the twelve drop-in community conversation events, don’t worry, as there are two online events scheduled.”
Community conversation start on 19 June at McMillan Hall, Newton Stewart, and the Miners’ Memorial Hall in Kirkconnel, with events in each of the council wards, ending on the 29 June at Castle Douglas Town Hall. Online events will be held on Microsoft Teams on 22 June and 28 June.
Information on how to register for the online sessions, and details of dates, times, and locations can be found here: www.dumgal.gov.uk/consultations