Family distraught as council and Northern Ireland Water in dispute over leak at 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.
The stream of water flowing between some graves at Lisburn City Cemetery is said to have been constant for years with the potential for subsidence if unresolved.
However, despite family concerns raised in council chambers the cemetery plot continues to see water flowing from within grave surrounds and out on to the pathway.
In council chambers, Lisburn Independent councillor Gary Hynds said: ”At Lisburn Cemetery there has been an on-off water leak 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 was 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.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands that an onsite meeting took place on October 28th with the council and NIW yet to come to an agreement over responsibility for the water leak.
A NIW spokesperson said: “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 directed for all further media queries on the matter to be put to the council.
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.”