Council shortlists sites for new cemetery

NEWTOWNABBEY Borough Council has identified nine potential sites for a new cemetery, including three within the Valley Park, the Times can reveal.

In July this year the council decided to widen its search for suitable cemetery space after a public backlash over a controversial plan to develop a new graveyard on parkland at O’Neill Road, just yards from the Children’s Hospice.

And while that proposal is still under consideration, several more potential sites have now been identified, including other areas within the Valley Park and lands near Ballyearl and Houston’s Corner roundabout.

A report presented to members of the local authority’s Policy and Governance Committee on Monday night (November 19) reveals that 22 locations have been considered for graveyard provision, including a golf course, a wetland area and sports pitches, but less than half have been shortlisted for further investigation.

Committee members discussed the matter behind closed doors, but the council later revealed that its search for cemetery space identified a variety of council and privately owned sites.

Read the full story in this week’s Times...