Grave surrounds are ‘causing distress’

The Lisburn resident who is regularly in the cemetery attending to relatives’ graves says that the council’s contract “clearly states” that no surrounds are allowed.

He said: “Lisburn city council is failing their clients and breaking contracts in Blaris New Cemetery extension by allowing surrounds at graves.

“My question to the Council is simple - are you going to continue to ignore it?”

The man says over the last two years he has been in touch with the council and yet it still has not addressed the situation.

“The rules have lapsed and they are not being as strict and rules are not being enforced.”

He explained why the surrounds are giving him reason for complaint. “The council staff can’t get the lawnmowers up to the graves because of the surrounds getting in the way and the strimmers are taking chuncks out of the headstones. It makes it harder to keep the graves neat and tidy and something needs to be done.”

He added: “The council got in touch after I told them I was going to the media. I was told a report is going to be presented to the next meeting of the Environmental Services Committee and I will be advised of the outcome of that process following the Monthly Meeting of Council in November.”

He continued: “I appreciate the sensitive nature of this issue but I am fed up waiting for something to be done.

“Rules are rules and I’am fed up with the constant blind eyes from the council.”

A spokesperson for the council said: “The council is aware of complaints regarding the placing of some unauthorised headstones and surrounds

“The council has taken legal advice on this matter and a further report will be presented to the next meeting of the Environmental Services Committee.”