All of Ashfield cemeteries to close today ‘until further notice’ during coronavirus lockdown

Ashfield District Council has taken the decision to shut all of the district’s graveyards in a bid to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a tweet posted online last week a council spokesman said: “Due to the ongoing challenges with Coronavirus and updated government guidance, we have now been instructed to close all of our cemeteries across the District.

“We recognise the importance of our cemeteries as private places of remembrance but your safety and that of our staff remains our priority. The cemeteries will remain open for funerals and burials only, with limited attendees and social distancing maintained during services.

Councillor David Martin, Ashfield Portfolio Holder for streets, parks and town centres, added:"We are reluctantly having to close our cemeteries due to explicit instruction from the Government. This is not something we would have chosen to do but the Government are instructing Councils on a daily basis. I'd ask residents to understand that this is happening across the country and our Council Leader Jason Zadrozny is pushing as hard as possible to get these these restrictions that are causing great distress lifted as soon as possible."A spokesman for Mansfield District Council said the authority was not closing cemeteries at this time. She said “Our colleagues in Broxtowe and other areas are also keeping their Cemeteries open for now. Funerals are still allowed to take place, but with a severely restricted number of mourners and with all guests made to socially distance.