Vandalism forces closure of toilet block

According to Alastair Simpson, a resident of The Fountain, the locked loos at Ballyoan have been an issue for people visiting the grave yard for some months.

“This situation has been going on for some time. I was at a funeral on Thursday last and one of the people came over to me and said about it. I have been in the cemetery during the day tending a grave, and I have seen cobwebs around the locks and bolts on the toilet doors,” said Mr Simpson.

“The toilet block was specially built for use by those visiting the cemetery and is just off the car park to the right as you go in, but the conveniences are never open making it inconvenient for anyone visiting the graveyard.

“This is a ridiculous situation, especially during a funeral, because there will be people there who have travelled miles to attend, and there will be elderly folk there, and they have no access to a toilet ,” he continued.

Calling on the council to remedy the situation, and come to the relief of those using the graveyard and attending funerals, Mr Simpson said: “There are grave diggers there during a funeral, so why can the toilets not be opened? Altnagelvin toilet block is open during the day as is the one in the City Cemetery, as far as I am aware, so what’s the difference here? I am appealing for the council or the grave diggers to ensure they are opened and closed.”

A spokesperson at the City Council said: “Following repairs to the electrics and plumbing earlier this year, the toilets at Ballyoan have been open during all funeral services since May. Council does not open the toilets unless there is a presence at Ballyoan due to levels of vandalism experienced in the past.”

They added: “Council regret that on this occaision the funeral goer found the toilets locked and will look into why this might have been the case. If a member of the public wishes to avail of the toilets while visiting the cemetery Council will arrange, by prior appointment, to have the toilets opened during their visit.