Coney hill cemetery grounds closed to visitors

Coney Hill Cemetery is now closed except for funerals.

The closure of the cemetery complies with Government regulations stating that crematoriums must close except for funeral services, and if a crematorium sits within a cemetery then the cemetery must close too, except for funerals or burials.

Services at Coney Hill Crematorium are still continuing with a maximum of 5 mourners in attendance, but other visits to the cemetery can no longer be permitted.

Guidance from Public Health England and central Government states that people must only leave their home for specific purposes: shopping for basic necessities such as food or medicine; one form of exercise per day; medical needs such as donating blood or providing care to someone vulnerable; and travelling to work if working from home is not feasible.

Visiting a grave, memorial or book of remembrance is considered non-essential.

Cllr Richard Cook, Leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “Whilst this is incredibly unfortunate, and we sympathise with anyone who has lost a loved one, this decision has been made in line with the regulations set out by central Government.

“We must do everything we can to protect the public, and members of staff, from the risk of getting and spreading the infection. People must only be leaving their house for the reasons laid out in the national guidance.”

Further information

Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations (2020) state:

5.(8) A person who is responsible for a crematorium or burial ground must ensure that, during the emergency period, the crematorium is closed to members of the public, except for funerals or burials.

A crematorium is defined in the Cremation Act 1902: “crematorium” shall mean any building fitted with appliances for the purpose of burning human remains, and shall include everything incidental or ancillary thereto’.

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