Muslims get burial space (From Barry And District News)

Muslims get burial space

AFTER lengthy discussions between Barry Town Council and the Muslim Welfare Association of the Vale of Glamorgan, and following preparatory work by Council staff, the Muslim Burial Section at Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery, Barry, finally became a reality last Thursday.

Civic dignitaries met on site with representatives of the Muslim Welfare Association to declare the new section open.

The official opening ceremony was symbolised by the Town Mayor, Cllr Theo Stenstrom, and the Chairman of the Muslim Welfare Association, Mr Mansoor Ahmed, digging a few shovels of soil towards the first grave space in this unique section - the only place in the Vale of Glamorgan catering for Muslim burials.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Ahmed said: "The Muslim Welfare Association is grateful to the Town Council for allocating this part of Barry Cemetery for Muslim burials, thus allowing us to bury our loved ones in accordance with the requirements of the Islamic religion.

"For years, our people have had to journey to Bridgend or Cardiff to lay loved ones to rest. Finally, we have a local facility they can use, thanks to the council.

"However, the full benefit of this new section will only be realised, once a facility for bathing the bodies of recently deceased loved ones is available locally."