Memorial grounds at the Isle of Wight Crematorium will remain closed for the foreseeable future, despite Government advice stating they can now reopen.
The Isle of Wight Council says the site is currently shut because it is 'impossible' to manage health and safety for staff and members of the public.
Islanders have taken to social media to question the local authority's decision. Government guidance states 'crematoria may reopen, including gardens of remembrance.'
The council says it is 'reviewing' its strategy for when it is 'achievable' to reopen.
A spokesperson said:
"The government’s intention is that cemeteries and crematorium grounds should be open.
"However, burial and cremation authorities and companies can still take the decision to close them if it becomes impossible to manage health and safety for staff and members of the public or for other sound operational reasons.
"As a result the crematorium grounds are currently closed due to the sensitive nature of the site and the associated safety concerns.
"However, the council is currently reviewing its strategy for the grounds in an effort to safely accommodate people outside once this is achievable.
"The Isle of Wight Council Bereavement Service is doing its utmost to provide a very sensitive service to the Island’s community alongside its duty of care to ensure the safety of all persons on the crematorium site."
Earlier this week, the local authority confirmed that up to 28 mourners will be able to attend funerals at the Crematorium from next Monday (15).
Currently, only 10 people can pay their respects due to the coronavirus pandemic. The jump of 18 in a week has left some Islanders confused.
When asked why this was, the council said:
"The decision taken to allow increased numbers of attendees within the crematorium chapel was as a result of the government easing lockdown measures due to come into force starting from 15 June 2020.
"It was deemed appropriate to introduce increased chapel attendance in line with government guidelines from this date.
"Government advice states that crematoriums should allow as many mourners as they can to attend a chapel service providing safe distancing guidelines can be maintained, hence the increase to 28 mourners within the chapel.
"This was not the earlier advice during the Covid-19 pandemic (only close family members attend)."
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