Local cemetery full in four years

And Portadown’s Kernan Graveyard will be full within two years.

Sales of plots before dying are banned and only family members can purchase graves after a local resident has died.

However in Banbridge the rules are slightly different and you have to be over 60 to buy a grave.

Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Council plan to revise the current legislation and are also planning for future capacity.

A spokesperson said: “The rules and regulations from the three legacy Council’s regarding burial plots have not changed since the formation of the new Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

“In Craigavon, no advanced plot sales are permitted in any Council cemetery/burial site.

“The same applies to Council sites in Armagh.

“In Banbridge, ratepayers over the age of 60 can purchase one burial plot only in Banbridge and Dromore cemeteries.

“As and when the service is reviewed and harmonised in line with the new Council, these aspects along with many other variances will be considered.

“There are special arrangements in place if a resident/ratepayer should die and have no family/friends to arrange burial, however, incidents of this are very rare.

“Council continually monitor and review future cemetery capacity and plan for future needs accordingly.”