Newtownabbey cemeteries to reopen to the public

The announcement follows today’s decision by Stormont that they can reopen.

They had been shut in response to the Covid-19 crisis after emergency legislation was passed by the Stormont Executive.

All pedestrian gates at the borough’s cemeteries will open from 9am until 8pm.

Signage will be put in place regarding social distancing both at the entrances and around the sites.

Vehicle access will continue to be managed during funerals and these gates will be open from 5pm until 8pm each evening for access.

The decision has been welcomed by East Antrim DUP MLA Gordon Lyons who said: “I am pleased that the Executive have taken the decision, on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, to allow cemeteries to reopen right across Northern Ireland.

“If queuing for an off-licence can be facilitated safely, there is no justification for these large open spaces to be closed.

“I recognise that the past few months have been difficult for us all but most especially for those who have not been able to visit the graves of their loves ones to mourn and grieve,

“I have heard firsthand the heartbreaking stories of pain caused by the closure of cemeteries and hope that this decision will bring some comfort to those who are grieving.”

by Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

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