Wolverhampton cemeteries and crematoriums closed to public
Cemeteries and crematoriums in Wolverhampton have become the latest places to close to the public.
Wolverhampton Council made the decision after seeing an increase in groups gathering at cemeteries, with people using the areas to play in and walk dogs.
It also said that staff were continuously asking people to move on, which was impacting on their work making arrangements to allow families and friends to attend burial services.
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The new measures will mean only those attending funeral services will be allowed to enter the graveyards.
Councillor Steve Evans said the council had to take the difficult decision to protect people's health during the coronavirus outbreak.
He said: "We know that this will be upsetting for family and friends, at what will be a very difficult time, but we urge people to listen to the government’s advice about social distancing.
"We will lift these restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.
"Funerals, unfortunately, have been identified as high risk for spreading the virus amongst families, as well as putting others at risk.
"We have also taken the step, after advice from police and regional colleagues, to limit the number of mourners attending burials and cremations to six."
The following cemeteries and crematoria are closed:
Beacon Hill Cemetery
Bilston Cemetery
Bushbury Cemetery and Crematorium
Danescourt Cemetery
Hall Green Cemetery
Merridale Cemetery
Penn Cemetery
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at wolverhampton.gov.uk/coronavirus