Woodvale cemetery grounds have been closed to anyone not attending a funeral to remain in line with government guidance since earlier this month. However, now that this guidance has been updated, Brighton & Hove City Council has revealed that the grounds will be reopening from Wednesday 29th April.
12 mourners will remain the limit for funerals to ensure everyone is able to follow social distancing rules.
A message on the council website from Councillor Daniel Yates, Lead councillor for life events services, says that while many would like to use this space for their daily exercise, they should refrain from doing so:
I understand that for many who live close by, Woodvale is an ideal place for their daily dose of exercise, but I would again urge people to treat the grounds with the respect it deserves.
He explains that some people have misused the space in the past:
Before the cemetery was closed, staff reported several incidents of people playing ball games, skateboarding, having picnics and children climbing on headstones. This is unacceptable, not to mention a health and safety risk. Cemeteries are a place for mourning, remembrance and quiet reflection, not a replacement for a park or playground.
This also applies to dog walkers. As stated in cemetery bylaws, dogs should not be walked on cemetery grounds, even when on a tight lead.
Councillor Yates urges all visitors to have the utmost respect for those around them:
If you are walking through Woodvale for exercise, please do so respectfully and with the quiet dignity those visiting graves and memorials deserve. Ask yourself what kind of environment you’d wish for if you were there visiting a lost loved one.
Staff will be greeting those who visit the grounds and will continue to remind everyone to treat the area and other visitors respectfully.
Councillor Yates restates how important it is to show compassion during these trying times:
I ask once again, please use the cemetery grounds at Woodvale with respect. At such a challenging time for us all, people deserve to mourn the loss of friends and relatives in peace.
Click here to visit Brighton & Hove City Council’s website
Featured image: © Paul Gillett