BRADFORD Council has said easing restrictions around funerals and cremations is not yet possible. 

It comes as Calderdale and Kirklees Councils updated their guidance.

Calderdale Council has said that as demand for funeral services is now reducing, any new bookings will allow up to ten mourners to enter the crematorium chapel to attend a funeral service.  

And Kirklees Council announced that as public health advice changes, it is starting to plan for socially distanced services to take place inside the chapels. From June 1, up to 10 mourners will be able enter the crematorium chapel to attend a funeral service.

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: “We are constantly monitoring funerals and cremations at Bradford Council and looking for any opportunity to lessen the painful experience of losing a loved one during the restrictions imposed to reduce the spread of Coronavirus (Covid 19).

“Our bereavement staff are drawing up arrangements to try and ease the restrictions and allow up to 10 mourners to enter the crematoria buildings instead of having to stay outside, as they do at present but this is not possible yet. This is in line with our neighbouring local authority Leeds.

“Smaller local authorities in West Yorkshire have been able to modify their restrictions earlier but these have much smaller populations and fewer funerals so are able to sanitise properly between funerals. Sadly in Bradford district the number of cremations is still higher than usual.

“We know how hard it is for people to comply but we would ask everyone to realise that these restrictions are about saving lives, protecting mourners, funeral directors and crematoria staff.”