The Shay Stadium at Halifax may be called into use as a temporary morgue if the number of funerals and cremations in Calderdale exceeds the amount the borough can cope with in the coming weeks amid the coronavirus crisis.

Calderdale Council’s Assistant Director for Neighbourhoods, Andrew Pitts, said preparations were being made although it was hoped they would not have to be implemented.

“We have a statutory responsibility to plan for any potential increase in numbers of people who pass away in the borough.

“All local authorities have been asked to put in place arrangements for temporary facilities if they reach a point where they are unable to conduct funerals and cremations at a rate at which deaths are occurring.

“In Calderdale, the Shay Stadium has been identified as the most appropriate location for this purpose.

“Whilst we are required to plan for this requirement, we very much hope not to need to use it.

“The single most important action we can all take, in fighting coronavirus, is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives,” he said.

The stadium, which is owned by the council, is ordinarily used by FC Halifax Town and Halifax RLFC, with conference space also frequently used.

During the crisis the council is using suitable buildings for other than their normal roles to help its rresponse to the coronavirus pandemic.

For example, North Bridge Leisure Centre, also at Halifax, is being used as the distribution centre for Government food parcels which are being delivered to extremely vulnerable Calderdale residents – these are being delievred with partners including the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.