Planting of seasonal bulbs in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough is expected to cost almost £50k, a report to councillors has stated.
The report to be presented at a meeting of the borough council’s Operations Committee on Monday evening says that planting costs for this year areestimated to be in the region of £49,000. This is an increase from last year’s cost of £38,150.
Councillors were told that a specialist supplier has indicated an increase in costs relating to transportation, staff and machinery.
An annual planting scheme has been carried out across Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough by the council’s parks teams since 2018.
The locations proposed to be planted with seasonal bulbs are Fountain Hill, Antrim; Castle Road, Randalstown; Sixmilewater Park, Ballyclare; V36 Park, Newtownabbey; Lilian Bland Park, Glengormley; Jordanstown Road, Monkstown; roundabouts at Ballynure; Sandyknowes; Templepatrick and Nutts Corner.
Meanwhile, the council has been asked to take responsibility for burials and administration at Doagh Cemetery, officially known as Church Lane Burial Ground.
Currently, the local authority is responsible for maintenance of the cemetery which involves two grass cuts annually and tree pruning with burials organised by a cemetery committee. There is approximately one burial annually.
The ancient graveyard dates back to the 1300s. Due to its age, the layout is such that manual digging of graves is required.
Ownership of the cemetery land was vested in the local authority througha Schedule of Burial Grounds vested by the Commissioners of ChurchTemporalities in Ireland relating to the Irish Church Act 1869.
Councillors have also been given an update on the authority’s commemorative programme for sponsorship of benches and trees.
During the first quarter of the year, the local authority received six requests for commemorative benches at Antrim Stadium, Crumlin Cemetery, Kilbride Cemetery, Valley Park and two at Carnmoney Cemetery.
There were three requests during the second quarter of the year – one at Carnmoney Cemetery and two at Crumlin Cemetery.