Vandals strike at cemetery

The latest incidents took place over the weekend and many visitors to the cemetery on Sunday afternoon were left distressed when they arrived to visit the graves of loved ones.

Mr Jackie Stewart, whose father-in-law's grave was among those damaged, said the repeated attacks were despicable and were casuing heartache to the relatives of those buried at New Blaris.

"Graves in the cemetery were damaged twice on the same day over the weekend and the situation is completely unacceptable," he said.

Mr Stewart, however, praised Lisburn Council for responding quickly to the situation.

Councillors and council officials went to the cemetery on Sunday after being contacted about the damage.

"In the midst of our distress I would like to thank all those Council representatives who arrived on site on Sunday to assist in whatever way they could," Mr Stewart said.

The Council has confirmed that damage has become a growing problem in the past few months and is urging all visitors to be alert to any suspicious activity.

During a further visit to the cemetery on Monday, Councillors and Council Officials spoke again with family members.

The chairman of the Council's Environmental Services Committee, Councillor Betty Campbell, said they were working with all the relevant authorities to identify those responsible and prevent a repeat.

"The Council has increased security at New Blaris Cemetery as a response to this vandalism and is liaising with the PSNI, which has stepped up patrols in the area. The PSNI also now has access to the cemetery 24-hours a day", said Mrs Campbell.

Deputy Mayor, Alderman Paul Porter, also urged everyone to be vigilant.

"I would call on friends and relatives who may have noticed something suspicious when visiting the cemetery to contact the appropriate authorities," he said.

Anybody witnessing any suspicious activity should contact either the Council's Central Services Depot on 9267 3417 (during normal working hours) or the Island Civic Centre on 9250 9250 (outside normal working hours). You can also contact the PSNI on 0845 600 8000 and ask to be put through to Lisburn Station.