The decision by the local authority to close cemeteries has been an incredibly difficult one and has impacted many families across the Vale of Glamorgan. I have been inundated with requests for cemeteries in the Vale to re-open and following continued communication with Barry Town Council, I am pleased to be able to be able to inform you that Barry Cemetery is re-opening.
Over recent weeks, I have been in touch with families locally who are desperate to pay their respects to loved ones. These are particularly sad stories, including parents who want to visit on the anniversary of the death of their child. This is incredibly emotional and, while the UK Government have said cemeteries should remain open, I did not see why the situation locally could not be managed to ensure that social distancing rules are upheld. I have no doubt that this will be welcomed news for many and I am pleased that Barry Town Council have responded positively.
Please see the press release from Barry Town Council below:
Barry Town Council, 1 May 2020:
We know that grieving for a loved one is difficult at any time and it is instinctive for us to want to remember those we have lost by spending time at their place of rest. Of all the changes Barry Town Council has had to make to comply with Government guidance and Public Health Wales Regulations during this emergency period, restricting the way people can remember lost loved ones is without doubt one of the hardest.
Due to a change in the Public Health Wales Regulations, and following high public interest, Barry Town Council has listened to the public and will trial a temporary and re-opening of Merthyr Dyfan Cemetery on a reduced service from Monday 4th May 2020 at 3pm. This Cemetery will be open to the public from this date on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3pm – 6pm only on a trial basis; this will be reviewed regularly. At these times, there will be no Cemetery staff on site to ensure as much protection as possible for our key workers during this difficult time. Please note the Cemetery will remain closed to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Following an assessment of risk, some facilities have been withdrawn to prevent the possible spread of Coronavirus; this means that you will not be able to sit on the benches, use the taps for water or put any rubbish in the bins. Please ensure you bring your own water with you for flower vases and take all rubbish home with you; please do not leave any rubbish in the Cemetery. The public toilets will also remain closed.
It is important to observe social distancing at all times when visiting, keeping two metres apart (6 feet) and respecting other visitors when attending the Cemetery. You will notice signs and caution tape around the Cemetery, these have been put in place to protect the public; please do not interfere with the tape or signage. Please take note of the signs and instructions in place for your own safety.
When entering and leaving the cemetery please use the hand sanitiser pumps provided at the entrance to prevent any spread of the virus. There will be a one-way system in place, and we ask that you follow the signage around the Cemetery for your own safety (Please note that the Buttrils entrance gate will remain locked, please use the main entrance for access).
The Cemetery will be closed to public vehicles and only pedestrian access will be allowed. No more than two adults and two children from the same household will be allowed at the graveside.
If you have any symptoms of Coronavirus you MUST NOT enter or visit the Cemetery until after the 14-day self-isolation period has passed.
We have implemented these additional measures to protect the public and the workforce from any contamination and prevent the spread of the virus.
We ask that you follow the advice within this notice for your own and others safety; if the advice is not followed we will have no choice but to review the opening of the Cemetery for visitors.
