MP Jane Stevenson calls on Wolverhampton Council to reopen cemeteries shut during lockdown
An MP has called on Wolverhampton Council to re-open cemeteries across the city as soon as possible.
Jane Stevenson said it was "absolutely vital" that families were allowed to visit and pay their respects at graves.
Cemeteries in the city are currently only open for burial and cremation services – despite current Government guidance.
The Wolverhampton North East MP, in a letter to council leader Councillor Ian Brookfield, said: "I am pleased that my constituents can still visit our parks and open spaces during this period of lockdown.
"However I note that cemeteries and crematoria in Wolverhampton continue to remain closed.
"As the country deals with this unprecedented public health emergency, it is absolutely vital that families are allowed to grieve for the loss of their loved ones.
"Whilst social distancing measures must of course be adhered to at all times, the ability for people to visit a cemetery and pay their respects can make a huge difference.
"For many people, this is a routine that they have had in their lives for many years, and it is incredibly hard to suddenly lose that connection with someone they have loved or cared for.
"I therefore urge you to reopen Wolverhampton's cemeteries and crematoria at the earliest opportunity."
Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment, previously said the authority would continue to review the restrictions – ensuring people are protected from coronavirus.
He said: "We are continuing to review these restrictions and we will continue to monitor the Government's advice to make our city’s cemeteries and crematorium more widely open as soon as it is safe to do so."
Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick MP, who was born in Wolverhampton, called on councils to keep cemeteries open during a Downing Street briefing last weekend.
