Burials in Ayr Cemetery continued despite council chiefs knowing about water leaks.
A total of 16 burials took place between the end of September and December 2021 after leaks were first reported on September 22.
Ayrshire Live approached South Ayrshire Council after our Q&A with cemetery bosses revealed that all 126 lairs in the extension were under water after leaks were first discovered in September 22, 2021.
Now bosses have told how burials only halted prior to investigation works in January by a specialist contractor.
A council spokesperson said: "Burials at the Ayr Cemetery extension were stopped in December 2021, prior to investigations taking place.
"These investigations revealed the presence of water. From September 22, 2021 to the end of December 2021, 16 burials took place at the Ayr Cemetery extension.
"An internment in the extension also took place in March of this year, the family of the deceased were fully aware of the situation and gave their permission.
"After we were alerted that there could be issues with water, we had to arrange a specialist to carry out an investigation into whether there really was a problem.
"Burials were stopped during the investigation and this has continued, with one exception in March following discussions with the family."
South Scotland Conservative MSP Sharon Dowey says the update is is the latest in a long line of failures — after it was revealed Troon Cemetery also has water issues.
Ms Dowey said: “There are some really serious questions to be answered here, chiefly why council officers thought it appropriate to continue interring peoples’ loved ones when there was a potential water ingress issue with the lairs."
"Having met with some of the families affected over the weekend, I’ve heard first-hand about the emotional toll this has had on them and it’s truly heartbreaking."
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