Council received two complaints after wrong burial plot opened at cemetery
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council received two complaints in relation to the opening of a wrong burial plot at one of its cemeteries, a report to councillors has revealed.
The council’s Complaints, Comments and Compliments report for quarter one, covering 1 April to 30 June 2026, was presented at a recent meeting of the Corporate Resources, Policy and Governance Committee at The Braid in Ballymena.
Overall, the council received 99 complaints during the quarter, compared with 40 during the same period in 2025/26.
Cemetery complaints
Seven complaints were received in relation to the council’s parks and open spaces (cemeteries) service during the first quarter of 2026/27.
Two related to the opening of a wrong burial plot, while others concerned grass-cutting “mess”, an unsecured park, a fall, faulty lighting and a contractor.
In response, the council said it would “work to stay on top of all maintenance issues, ensure all information is correct, double and triple checked and lighting to be put on a timer”.
Waste services account for 46 complaints
The highest number of complaints during the quarter — 46 — related to waste services.
The report said 32 of these related to contractor Bryson Recycling, accounting for 70 per cent of all waste-related complaints during the quarter.
Six complaints related to household recycling centres, seven to non-recycling bins and one to a blue recycling bin.
The report noted:
“The council accepts that it remains responsible and accountable for all complaints regardless of whether the service is delivered in-house or contracted out.”
Leisure centre issues raised
Six complaints related to the Amphitheatre leisure centre in Carrickfergus.
One involved an accident in the gym said to be linked to a ‘TikTok’ social media trend. Others concerned an “altercation” between two gym users, disabled parking bays and the tannoy system.
A new water pump has been fitted to resolve an issue with showers, while additional CCTV has been installed. Gym staff have also received training and signage has been introduced stating that treadmills must be stopped before users dismount.
Four complaints were received in relation to Seven Towers Leisure Centre in Ballymena.
Planning complaints investigated
Ten complaints were received in relation to the council’s planning department, alleging that the council had not followed planning procedures.
The report indicated that all the claims were investigated and the department was found to have followed “appropriate procedures”.
Six complaints about Mid and East Antrim Borough Council were also made to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO), with investigations ongoing.
Residents raise bonfire concerns
In addition, 43 residents contacted the council in relation to bonfires across the borough, although just one of the contacts was registered as a formal complaint.
Issues raised included the burning of bulk waste, requests to have windows boarded up, the proximity of bonfire sites to buildings, tyre dumping, fly-tipping and noise.
The council said:
“It is typical that front-line services receive the most complaints due to their much higher rate of interactive service delivery.”
The report added:
“Responding effectively to complaints is necessary for council to demonstrate its commitment to continuous improvement in the delivery of its services and facilities.
“Reducing the overall volume of complaints remains a key priority for council and will be supported by continued improvements in customer service standards.”
Despite waste services accounting for the largest share of complaints during the quarter, the service also received 19 compliments.
