Whether you’d feel comfortable living just yards from one of the biggest graveyards in Greater Manchester all boils down to superstition.
Some people may find it scary or unsettling. Others might see it as quiet or peaceful. But for those living on one street in Blackley, most aren’t phased by their late neighbours – despite spotting some spooky sightings over the years.
Just off Colindale Avenue is Blackley Jewish Cemetery. The graveyard dates back to 1897 when it was acquired by the Central Synagogue and was later used by the North Manchester Synagogue. The two eventually merged in 1978.
And while one resident says his bedroom view “isn’t the greatest”, those living around the grounds have no issues being so close to the cemetery.
Mark O’Brien has lived on Colindale Avenue for 22 years. “There’s an old lady who haunts this house,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “I’m not a big believer in that, but I have seen a few things.
“I’m really strict on my routine; I have epilepsy so I’m strict on habit. I got up in the morning and the TV was on and the lights were on.
“It still doesn’t bother me. One time, I woke up in the middle of the night and there were all these flashing dots in a circle near the end of the door, just like in a circle.
“I thought I was dreaming but I turned on my bedside light and they were still there. I turned the light off and went back to sleep. I’m a sceptic but I doubt there was a logical explanation.”
Mark, 47, says his favourite thing about living next to the cemetery is the peace and quiet. “My uncle owned it before me so it doesn’t put me off,” he added.
“The graveyard attracts a lot of wildlife. You get a lot of foals, squirrels and bats. It’s quiet, but that’s why I bought it. That’s what I really don’t mind.
“You’re not backing onto anything and you don’t get any noisy neighbours. I suppose it spooks some people, but it doesn’t bother me.
“It’s not the greatest of views, but I used to live on an estate and there was noise. That’s why I moved here.”
According to research by HouseSimple.com, properties near cemeteries in the UK can be worth up to 50 per cent less than the area’s average. From the 13 UK towns studied, houses in London near St. Patrick’s cemetery were found to have an average price of £258,400 vs the postcode average of £511,311.
In Middlesbrough, houses near Linthorpe cemetery are worth on average £78,000 vs the postcode average of £138,793.
But there are UK towns where homes are worth more if they are located NEAR cemeteries compared to surrounding areas. In Leeds, houses are worth 7.4 per cent more if they are near a graveyard and 6.9 per cent more in Southampton.
And there are many reasons why living near a cemetery might appeal to some. Homes can be more affordable, they’re classed as green spaces and they can be quiet places to live. Some cemeteries are nice places to walk, they are often well-maintained and create pockets of tranquillity.
Marcio Souza, 38, lived on Colindale Avenue for two years. “It’s not somewhere I chose to live,” he said. “It’s alright. It was scary at first, but it doesn’t bother me at all. There’s nothing really here – it's not an active graveyard.
“It’s quiet. I like it here; it’s not bad. It’s near the city centre. It’ s quiet because there’s nothing there, there’s no neighbours.”
Among those buried in the graveyard are Jack White, from Salford, who fought in the First World War. Harris Rolbin, who served in the Australian Armed Forces, is also laid to rest in the cemetery. Harris, from Middleton, died in 1917 from gunshot wounds.
“I’ve lived here for 46 years; it doesn’t bother me,” Maureen Hutton, 75, said. “When we were looking for somewhere to rent, it was the first one we got offered.
“I’ve never seen anything spooky. I’ve alright; we have no problems. It’s peaceful. I’ve never seen anyone or heard anything.”
Another neighbour, who did not wish to give their name, has lived in the area for 30 years. “It’s like living anywhere else,” she said. “It’s quiet. I’ve never seen anything happening at all.”
One neighbour, who also did not wish to give his name, added: “At the beginning, I thought it was scary. But now we don’t even think about it.”
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