Fern Lane Cemetery legislative update

COVID -19

FERN LANE CEMETERY

Following lobbying for clearer rules on the closure of cemeteries to the public except for funerals and burials, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed that Section 5(8) of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 requires those responsible for crematoria to close them except for funerals. This requirement to close would also include a cemetery if the crematorium is situated in the cemetery, which could only be open for burials. The Regulation does not apply to other cemeteries, which can stay open. Consequently, Fern Lane Cemetery will now remain open to the public subject to the following conditions:

• social distancing of 2 metres must be maintained;
• the Cemetery must be closed to the public during funerals.

The Police reserve the right to close the Cemetery if there are any group gatherings or anti-social behaviour.

Members of the public should, however, also bear in mind that the Government is urging the public to stay at home unless their journey is to shop for essential supplies, to take exercise, to seek medical assistance or to travel for the purposes of work.