Gornal and Stourbridge crematoriums to close next week
Gornal and Stourbridge crematoriums and cemeteries will now close their gates next week, due to the coronavirus restrictions.
Dudley Council had previously announced that the two sites would close from today, after the decision was taken in line with Government advice.
But the authority has since announced both would closed to visitors from Tuesday instead.
The closures mean that only mourners attending services can enter the two sites.
Funerals are being limited to a maximum of 10 people from Tuesday and the closures will also mean that people cannot visit Gornal and Stourbridge cemeteries, due to them being adjoined to the crematorium.
Dudley, Dudley New, Lye and Wollescote, Cradley, Halesowen and Brierley Hill cemeteries will remain open to the public.
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Councillor Ian Kettle, Dudley Council's cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: "Following national government advice, we have taken the decision to close our crematoriums to all visitors, apart from mourners attending service.
"Funerals have sadly been identified as high risk for spreading the virus and services in Dudley borough will be limited to 10 people from Tuesday. This is a restriction that is in line with government advice and will be similarly adopted by many of our neighbouring authorities.
"While the rest of our cemeteries will remain open to the public, regrettably Stourbridge and Gornal cemeteries will be closed from Tuesday.
"We appreciate that this is a really difficult and upsetting time for those who would usually visit our crematorium sites to remember loved ones and our hearts go out to all who are affected.
"I would like to remind residents to maintain social distancing by remaining at least two metres away from others. It is our civic duty to stay home and only travel when it is absolutely essential in order to save lives and protect our NHS."
