Changes to cemetery openings in line with Government guidance
Following the request by Secretary of State that councils reopen cemeteries to the public, Cotswold District Council has confirmed that Chesterton and Stratton cemeteries in Cirencester will be open to the public between 4 pm and 8 pm each weekday and open between 9 am and 8 pm on Saturday and Sunday for visiting of graves.
Council Leader Cllr Joe Harris, said: “I am delighted to be able to reopen our cemeteries to the public. We have taken the decision to open them to the public between 4 pm and 8 pm to ensure that the visiting of graves does not clash with funeral services and work on-site. I have relatives in both cemeteries and know how upsetting it has been not being able to access the sites.
“The alternative would be to close the cemeteries while services were carried out which could have meant people planning to visit a loved one’s grave may have to wait outside the cemetery for an hour or more. I don’t think that is acceptable so I hope people find the new hours much clearer.
“As ever, I must stress the importance of people observing the government’s social distancing guidelines. Please don’t put yourself or someone else at risk of contracting coronavirus.”
Cemeteries at Chesterton and Stratton in Cirencester will now be open to visitors (other than for those attending funerals) between the hours between 4 pm and 8 pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday and Sunday between 9 am and 8 pm.
There will be no access to public toilets or water available on-site during this time for the protection of visitors.
Members of the public are asked to observe the government’s social distancing guidelines.