Lisburn family ‘distraught’ over water leak into grave
A Lisburn family has been left “distraught” over water leaking next to their loved ones’ grave as a council and government owned company dispute responsibility.
A constant water stream is alleged to be flowing in between some graves at Lisburn City Cemetery for years with the potential for subsidence of coffins if unresolved.
However, despite family concerns raised in council chambers the cemetery plot continues to see water flowing from within and out on to the pathway with recent images taken.
In chambers, Lisburn North independent councillor Gary Hynds said: "At Lisburn Cemetery there has been an on / off water leak there for quite a while.
“I have been communicating with the council officer and they’ve been keeping me up to date.
“But there seems to be an issue going on and on for two years at least and I won’t divulge who it is in the plot, but the relatives are quite annoyed about it.
“So is there any update in finally getting it resolved.”
A council officer responded: "In relation to the cemetery, one of our officers has updated on works that need to be done by Northern Ireland Water (NIW).
“The officer has been in contact with NIW and has spoken to the family in relation to the planned works to address the issues that have come up at Lisburn cemetery.
“So that is in progress.”
However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) now understands that an onsite meeting took place, with the council and NIW yet to come to an agreement over responsibility for the said water leak.
The LDRS contacted NIW with a spokesperson saying: “NI Water can confirm it has checked the site of a leak at Lisburn City Cemetery and has advised Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council that the leak is on private property.”
NIW has now directed for all media queries on the matter to be put to the council.
The LDRS understands that a water flow problem at a family grave was raised back in 2021 leading to emotive burial issues.
Outside of chambers Councillor Hynds said: "At the end of the day, we have a local family here exhausted and distraught after years of trying to get a deeply distressing situation surrounding their loved ones’ graves properly resolved.
“This is not a complaint that has suddenly emerged. It has been an ongoing issue for far too long, involving plenty of effort to get it fixed, yet the family still find themselves in a position where the problem remains unresolved and their concerns continue.
“To see water still running between family graves, with the worrying signs of the surrounding ground sinking, is understandably devastating for those involved.”
He added: "Quite frankly, it is unacceptable. Families should not have to spend years chasing answers, making repeated representations and fighting to have such a sensitive matter properly dealt with.
“There needs to be clear ownership, proper communication and a commitment to resolving this once and for all.
“Above everything else, this family deserves compassion, answers and the dignity of knowing their loved ones’ resting places are being properly looked after.”