CEMETERIES in Redditch Borough have reopened after the government confirmed they should be open where possible.
Central government has clarified that while crematoria must remain closed to the public except for funerals and burials under the new health protection regulations cemeteries should remain open if possible.
The Borough Council’s bereavement services manager Mike Birkinshaw said: “In line with the latest advice and after a risk assessment, we are re-opening our cemeteries to pedestrians.
“Unfortunately Redditch Crematorium and its surrounds must remain closed to the public except for funeral and burial services, however the cemetery there, Abbey Cemetery, is now open.
“Thank you for your continued understanding at this difficult and changing time.”
Measures to help people say goodbye as safely as possible remain in place as before, during and after services in Redditch.
They include limiting services to six mourners only, keeping a minimum distance between people of two metres (6 feet), and asking mourners to remain in their cars before, and remove tissues and service sheets after, funerals.
At Redditch Crematorium, the distance between pews has also been increased, hymn books removed, and livestreaming ceremonies made free to make remote attendance more accessible.
These arrangements remain subject to updates at short notice, as Government guidelines are subject to change.
For more details of this and all the latest borough council Coronavirus service updates, please visit www.redditchbc.gov.uk/coronavirus.
