Gates shut at cemeteries to stop high number of visitors
A NUMBER of councils across Wales have shut their cemeteries after people failed to listen to social distancing advice.
Cardiff council is the latest to shut four of its cemeteries after they received an “unusually high number of visitors” last weekend.
Under current government rules funerals and burials in the UK can only be attended by a maximum of 10 people.
Essential travel has also been restricted to shopping for necessities, leaving home for one form of exercise, medical care and caring for vulnerable people, and travelling to and from work if essential.
But with Easter approaching some local authorities have taken further action to prevent the spread of Covid-19 by telling people to avoid visiting cemeteries to pay respect to loved ones.
In Cardiff the gates at Cathays Cemetery, Western Cemetery, and Pantmawr Cemetery will now be locked after receiving a high volume of visitors.
Access to Thornhill Cemetery and Crematorium will also be restricted, and the gardens and memorials will no longer be available to the public.
Councillor Michael Michael, cabinet member with responsibility for bereavement services, said: “Closing these sites isn’t something we’re doing lightly but during the current emergency public safety, and limiting the spread of Covid-19, has to come first.
“Unfortunately the unusually high number of visitors this weekend, coupled with the lack of social distancing taking place, means we have to do what many authorities in other areas have already done – restrict access.”
In Caerphilly cemeteries have also shut after a “large number of people” continued to attend the sites, including many “who fall into the vulnerable category”.
A spokeswoman for Bridgend council said: “All council-run cemeteries and the grounds at Coychurch Crematorium will be temporarily closed to the public unless they are attending a funeral service until further notice.
“The gates will be locked at all times, with limited access, for a maximum of 10 immediate family members only granted when funerals and burials are taking place on site.”
A statement on the Caerphilly council website reads: “Caerphilly county borough council has closed all its municipal cemeteries across the area with immediate effect.
“Unfortunately, large numbers of people (many of whom fall into the vulnerable category) continue to attend the sites despite the new restrictions announced by the Prime Minister. The sites will only open for planned interments for the foreseeable future.”
All cemeteries in Newport are closed to members of the public.
A Newport council spokesman said “tending to graves or memorials at cemeteries is not considered essential” and “council staff will continue to manage the maintenance of cemeteries and their grounds”.
Car parks at cemeteries are also closed except for a hearse and vehicles carrying a maximum of five immediate family members for funerals.
Cemeteries in Blaenau Gwent remain open to the public but the situation is being monitored, the council said.
Signs have been put up advising residents to keep 2m apart when visiting cemeteries and to follow social distancing guidelines.
Burials and interments will go ahead but only for a maximum of five close family members.
Ground maintenance at cemeteries has been scaled back.
Cemeteries are still open as normal in Merthyr Tydfil but people are advised to follow social distancing guidelines.
Members of the public have been asked not to attend site offices at cemeteries across Rhondda Cynon Taf. Cemeteries remain open but those with queries are asked to get in touch with the council via phone or email.