South Ayrshire Council has announced plans to replace one of the original vehicle access gates to Ayr Cemetery.
The local authority has revealed that one of the gates was recently struck by a vehicle and was left in a “potentially dangerous condition.”
As a result the badly damaged gate was removed and transported to a local metalworkers yard until the condition of the gate could be fully assessed.
Now proposals have been lodged, seeking listed building consent to replace the badly damaged section of gate, on Holmston Road.
A supporting statement reads: “Due to the dangerous condition of the gate following the collision it had to be taken apart to allow safe handling and transportation. The gate is now in multiple pieces.
“The proposals are to fabricate a new gate in mild steel to match the size and profiles of the original gate. The decorative quatrefoil element has previously been strengthened by the addition of bolted brackets. This element remains intact and will be unbolted from the damaged sections and incorporated into the new gate. The diagonal cross element also remains intact and will be incorporated into the new gate.”
The statement also goes on to reveal that the drop bolt, that secures the gate in the open and closed position, is damaged “beyond repair,” therefore a new drop bolt will be fabricated and installed to match the original details. The existing hinge point embedded in the Tudor-style sandstone archway will be re-used with a new hinge bracket fabricated to match the original.
Both the gates will then be decorated using black gloss paint to restore them to their original appearance and provide a protective finish to the metal.
The statement also says that the replacement of the damaged gate with a new matching gate and replacement of the missing and damaged decorative fleur-de-lis finials will “ensure the historic appearance” of the entrance to Ayr Cemetery is “preserved.”
The proposals are listed as ‘pending consideration’ on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal and a decision is expected in mid-February.