Tyrone cemetery being turned into 'drinking den'

Ulster Unionist Party member Trevor Wilson described “the mess” left by behind at Forthill cemetery as an act of desecration.

Mid Ulster PSNI said they are aware of the concerns and will work with partners to address them.

Councillor Wilson said the anti-social behaviour is totally unacceptable.

“The people who did this have no respect for the sanctuary of the cemetery and I would appeal to anyone who has any information to contact the police immediately,” he said.

It is understood that people visiting the graves of loved ones in the cemetery discovered beer tins and other rubbish scattered over the area on Sunday.

Local SDLP Councillor Kerri Hughes said she utterly condemned the behaviour.

“Several local constituents have contacted me disgusted and upset at the reports of drinking and disruption to graves at the site,” she said.

“Graveyards are sacred places, not playparks.

“Anyone involved in this anti-social behaviour really needs to think about the impact of their actions on the local community and those whose loved ones are buried at the cemetery.

“I will be contacting council officers to see what can be done to make the cemetery more secure and prevent this happening in future.”

Sinn Féin representative for the Cookstown area, Councillor John McNamee, also hit out at the ongoing issue of anti-social behaviour in the town.

Councillor McNamee said: “We have been successful in the past in identifying hotpots where anti-social behaviour was prevalent and taken steps to deal with the problem.

“However, over recent weeks we have seen the worrying trend of major communal areas such as places of worship and the town’s main cemetery become the target of those who engage in this unwanted activity.

“This includes serious vandalism along with various reports of individuals congregating in the cemetery. Many of these people are often drinking and causing a nuisance as well as discarding their rubbish on graves etc.

“This is totally unacceptable. Our cemetery and places of worship offer people, many of whom are grieving a sanctuary and safe place to be with their thoughts.

“The last thing they need is to be distressed by selfish individuals who have no regard for anything or anyone but themselves. For this reason I am calling on the police to monitor the situation and increase patrols in the hope that it will alleviate the problem. I am also asking parents to ensure they know where their children are."

DUP Mid Ulster MLA Keith Buchanan strongly condemned the behaviour and called on families to take responsibility for the behaviour and whereabouts of their children“Groups of young people have been engaging in anti-social behaviour and drinking within the cemetery,” he said.

“The behaviour of these young people is insensitive. Graveyards are places where families go to reflect and remember loved ones who have passed on.

“I fully condemn the behaviour of these young people and ask families in the local area to take more responsibility for the behaviour and whereabouts of their children.

“I have spoken with the PSNI and local councillors about this matter and am seeking increased patrols in the area.

“I would ask that those who participate in this sort of behaviour show some respect. There is no doubt that some of those involved are disrespecting members of their own family and friends of the wider community with their actions at the cemetery.”

Mid Ulster PSNI encouraged the public to report anti-social behaviour to them.

Inspector Knipe said: “Police are aware of concerns regarding antisocial behaviour at Cookstown cemetery.

“I can reassure the public that we will address, and work closely with local partners, in order to resolve any concerns.

“I would encourage anyone with information or concerns to contact us immediately on 101.”

Reports can also be made using the PSNI online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

A spokesperson for Mid Ulster District Council said they are aware of reports of anti-social behaviour at the cemetery and are investigating, "and will take appropriate action to resolve."

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