Up to 20 mourners will be allowed to attend funerals at Gloucester crematorium from tomorrow (Friday).

In March, the amount of mourners permitted at services at the crematorium was reduced to five, due to the covid-19 pandemic.

However, in response to latest government advice, from Friday 5 June Gloucester crematorium will accommodate up to 20 mourners, whilst continuing to minimise the risks of Covid-19 and provide dignified and safe funerals.

Gloucester City Council has reviewed the position regarding attendance at services, and can now allow a maximum of 20 mourners to attend a funeral service.

The council asks mourners to follow the government guidelines when entering the chapel and social distancing is essential.

The new arrangements which come into force on 5 June are:

• 2m social distancing signs will be displayed; however families from the same household will be able to sit together.

• Mourners will be asked to use the hand sanitiser located in the entrance of the chapel.

• The chapel will be appropriately cleaned after every service.

• Hymn books will not be available; however the words will be projected onto the chapel screens. No paper copies will be provided, as this will help to limit the potential for virus transmission.

• For any mourners that can’t attend the funeral, a webcast will be available.

• There will be a range of different service times to suit the needs of our bereaved families.

• Toilets will remain open.

• The crematorium telephone line is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday on 01452 396902.

• Purchasing memorials for loved ones is still available, forms can be provided by funeral directors, and sent via email or through the post.

The new measures may need to change at anytime should there be a high rise in the number of covid-19 cases.

Cllr Richard Cook, Leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and in line with government guidance, it is still appropriate to limit the number of people in any public space and ensure social distancing. All funeral services in Gloucester will continue to go ahead but only a maximum of twenty mourners will be able to attend. We understand that this is a difficult time for all of our bereaved families; our condolences go out to them all.”