Yorkshire council suspends funeral services amid coronavirus crisis

Three Yorkshire councils have been forced to suspend all new funeral services amid the Covid-19 virus crisis.

Kirklees Council has become the third to make the “sad decision” to take no further bookings for funeral services at Dewsbury Crematorium and Huddersfield Crematorium from today (Monday 6 April).

The news comes as Bradford and Leeds City Councils also announced they will no longer be able to take further bookings for funeral services within their crematoriums. All new bookings will be carried out as ‘direct cremation’ without a service or mourners present.

Cllr Rob Walker, the council’s cabinet member for environment said: “Sadly, whilst this terrible virus continues to spread throughout the world we need to put in place measures to protect our staff, mourners and their families.

“We know that losing a loved one is heartbreaking, and we understand that funerals provide an opportunity to formally say goodbye and celebrate their life. This is why we are working with funeral directors to explore ways for memorials to take place in the future.”