Anger as fly tippers target cemetery

It is understood items including a microwave oven and a clothes horse were illegally discarded in Our Lady’s Acre Cemetery at Longlands Road this week.

Macedon DUP representative, Cllr Thomas Hogg MBE has hit out at those responsible for dumping rubbish in the grounds of the cemetery.

Cllr Hogg said: “It is hard to find the words to describe those who would dump household rubbish within the precincts of a cemetery.

“I have spoken with local people who are understandably angry that this sacred place has been defiled in such a way.

“Those responsible are beyond contempt. I am grateful to council staff who responded quickly to the complaints of local residents and had the area cleared.”

It is understood the rubbish was removed by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council staff on October 24.

Commenting on the issue, a spokesperson for the local authority said: “Council received a report this morning about illegal dumping at Our Lady’s Acre Cemetery.

“However, members of council’s Waste Management crew were passing the area yesterday afternoon and assisted local residents in clearing the site.

“There have been no other complaints received lately regarding illegal dumping in the area.”