A temporary mortuary for up to 1,000 bodies is being set up in a well-known beauty spot to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
The usually-tranquil Walton Hall and Gardens in Warrington has been earmarked for the morgue in case deaths continue to spiral.
Two temporary structures are being built in case existing funeral directors and bereavement services are unable to manage demand over the coming weeks.
They are currently under construction using the internal space of the riding school and an area described as a large forecourt.
The gardens, previously open for people to talk their hourly daily exercise, were closed to the public yesterday.
On-site security teams will patrol the site, a five minute drive from the Mersey Gateway bridge.
They will keep a close eye on the mortuary structures, which are expected to be completed this week on a 24 hour basis.
The makeshift morgue is the second such facility in the region, and comes after the ECHO last week revealed how the Planet Ice rink at The Hive, in Widnes, was to be used for the same purpose.
Warrington Borough Council has unveiled details of the mortuary, along with Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester councils, who cover the Ellesmere Port area.
Officials said it was to prepare for a "worst-case scenario."
Warrington council leader, Russ Bowden, said: “Across the North West, we are making preparations for an increasing number of people being taken by coronavirus although, thankfully, the number of deaths in Cheshire at this point is low in comparison to other regions.
"Establishing this temporary mortuary is a precaution that is in line with our preparations for a worst-case scenario.
“Our priority is to ensure that we have appropriate facilities that guarantee people taken by coronavirus are treated with dignity and respect.
"Using Walton Hall is not inevitable, but we need to make sure we have measures in place for every possible outcome.
“The reality of how indiscriminate coronavirus is could not be more clear, but we can all do our part to mitigate the spread of the virus.
"Please, continue to follow the national guidance and stay at home wherever possible.
"It really will save lives.”
