Cemeteries in Reading have re-opened today despite the lockdown, as new government advice is issued on coronavirus.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) is reopening the three it owns, which are:

  • Henley Road Cemetery, All Hallows Road
  • Caversham Cemetery, Victoria Road
  • Reading Old Cemetery, London Road

The council closed these cemeteries in late March to adhere to government’s Covid-19 regulations, with the grounds only being opened for friends and families attending funerals.

However, local government minister Robert Jenrick said on Friday (April 17) that all parks and cemeteries should remain open.

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Mr Jenrick said: “I’m asking councils to keep open or indeed to re-open cemeteries and graveyards for people to make that private visit and seek solace at the grave of someone you’ve loved or to privately lay flowers.

“There have been times in my life when I have needed to do that. These are small steps, but small mercies can make a difference.”

A spokesman for the council said it was a difficult decision to close all council-run cemetery grounds to the public last month and that it would now re-open these cemeteries to everyone so it can provide as much public open space as possible.

The council noted that, although Mr Jenrick called for cemeteries to stay open to the public, formal guidance issued the day after had not reflected this statement.

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Updated government guidance has also called for the bereaved to be treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect and for mourners and those who manage funerals to be protected from infection.

A council spokesman added: “RBC was previously working on those same principles and we will of course continue to adhere closely to specific government guidance laid out for venue managers.”