Morgue row (From Barry And District News)

Morgue row

A PLAN to develop a mortuary close to houses has become a serious issue for a group of Barry residents.

The residents fear the cold storeroom that funeral directors James Pidgeon and Son Ltd hope to develop in a building to the rear of their premises at 181 Court Road, will devalue their properties, scare children and increase the flow of traffic in the back lane behind their homes.

Ron Williams, aged 67, who lives next to the funeral directors, said: "I think it is a disgraceful idea to have (the mortuary) so close to residential properties.

"Kids use the back lane to play in, and they won't want to play in it if there are hearses coming up and down. And I can't imagine how many bodies will be in there.

"It's just going to be one big fridge for bodies and will totally devalue our properties."

Resident Peter Hartford said: "I've got a seven-and-a-half-year-old grandson who suffers from a severe form of autism.

"He likes coming to stay with me as he finds it peaceful. He's going to be devastated when he finds out about this."

A 50-name petition opposing the plans was sent to the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

But managing director of the company, John Pidgeon, claims the development will have no impact on residents.

He said: "With the greatest respect to the residents, this will make absolutely no difference to them, and if they look at the plans they will see this.

"We are not adding anything, but upgrading the existing building. And if anything, the residents will be benefited because we actually intend to reduce the height of the coach house."