Newtownabbey: crematorium added to nominations for Green Flag Award
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s crematorium is to be included in nominations for a Green Flag Award.
The Green Flag Award is an “internationally recognised benchmark of excellence for the management, maintenance, and community engagement of parks and open spaces”, a report presented to the council’s Operations Committee said.
To achieve Green Flag status, sites must “operate in accordance with a comprehensive management plan that meets rigorous criteria, including high horticultural standards, cleanliness, environmental sustainability, biodiversity, community involvement, and public safety”, the committee report explained.
Only the second crematorium in Northern Ireland, the Newtownabbey site opened in June 2023 and includes a Memorial Garden designed for thought and reflection.
Last year, 20 council sites and 12 community managed spaces across the borough were awarded the prestigious Green Flag accreditation by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.
The committee report noted: “The increase in community-managed sites reflects the significant collaborative efforts of the council and local communities in taking ownership of these spaces and fostering an increase in civic pride.”
The community entries in the borough are: Clotworthy Courtyard, at Antrim Castle Gardens; Duneane Community Garden; Cranfield Church and Holy Well; Ballyeaston Church ruin; Elevation Randalstown; Toome Linear Park; The Sovereign Complex, Rathfern; Monkstown Village Community Garden; Neilsbrook Fold; Maine Fold, Randalstown; Sentry Hill Community Garden.
A new addition for nominations in Antrim and Newtownabbey’s community category will be Doagh Cemetery led by Doagh Community Group.
Speaking at the Operations Committee meeting, which took place in Antrim Civic Centre, on Monday evening, Ballyclare DUP Councillor Jeannie Archibald-Brown proposed nominating 34 sites. Party colleague Dunsilly Ald Linda Clarke said she was “happy to second”.
Macedon Ulster Unionist Cllr Robert Foster commended the community groups involved.
Threemilewater DUP Ald Stephen Ross queried: “With the number of sites, are we content that we have the staff to maintain these sites as well as their every day work, especially with a reduction in staff off on long-term sick leave?”
An officer told the committee: “I am content we have enough staff to facilitate the applications for Green Flags and ongoing maintenance across the sites.”
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter