'Cottage sell-off plan raises risk of grave desecration'

A COUNCIL committee has been warned that selling-off a 19th cottage in Portrush could lead to the desecration of graves in the churchyard next door.

Concerns over an old burial site at Ballywillan were raised by members of a local heritage group during a presentation aimed at persuading councillors to keep Quigley’s Cottage in public ownership.

The restored stone structure that once served as the town’s school has been declared a surplus asset by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

On Wednesday the sub-committee that will make key recommendations on the sell-off plan was addressed by Portrush Heritage Group (PHG).

Members told the committee the cottage had been “the first proper co-educational integrated school in Portrush.”

It should be retained in public ownership, they said, because of its co-location with a scheduled 12th century church and graveyard; its connection to the social and economic history of Portrush and its potential importance for future generations.

“We also ask you to please consider carefully the potential impact of disturbance, damage and desecration of graves,” said a PHG representative.

The immediate proximity of marked and unmarked graves to the rear and the busy road out front should rule out expansion of the cottage.

Since it would be impractical and dangerous for any form of development and the building cost very little to maintain, they asked the committee to recommend to it be retained in public ownership by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Wednesday night’s presentation was the latest episode in a long campaign by Portrush Heritage Group to prevent Quigley’s Cottage falling into private hands.

There was a setback in the campaign last month when the council was advised by Stormont officials that it did not merit special protection.

Read more in this week's Chronicle.