Crematoriums in Whitley Bay and Preston have closed their doors after government rules designed to slow the spread of coronavirus tightened.
North Tyneside Council announced the closure on Tuesday afternoon and said it had no choice but to make the cemetery off-limits under new government restrictions on crematoriums during the pandemic, other than for funerals.
Wendy Burke, director of public health, said: “Due to emergency government legislation, and in line with councils throughout the country, it is with regret that the cemetery grounds of Preston and Whitley Bay crematoria will be closed to everyone except those attending a service from the evening of April 7.
“We know this will cause upset to families – and we offer our heartfelt sympathies to those affected – but we must follow this government instruction and our priority has to be the health and safety of our residents.
“They will reopen as soon as the restrictions are lifted by the government.
“A remembrance book for Whitley Bay is already available online and we are making arrangements for a similar digital service for Preston.”
All other cemeteries in the borough remain open, as the legislation only relates to crematorium and cemeteries within their grounds.
The limit of up to 10 people attending a service remains in place in North Tyneside, to ensure mourners can safely observe social distancing.
