Increase in number of mourners allowed to attend funerals in Upminster Crematorium

Social distancing guidelines will remain in place on all sites for visitors of the crematorium.

The amount of mourners allowed to attend funerals at South Essex Crematorium in Upminster will increase from today.

Restrictions were initially implemented following government guidelines to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Up to 25 mourners will be allowed in the South Chapel, up to 15 in the East Chapel, 15 at Upminster Cemetery and 25 at graveside at any of the borough’s cemeteries.

Other cemeteries at Rainham, Romford and Hornchurch are also open.

Chapels in the Rainham and Romford cemeteries remain closed for renovation and due to social distancing measures.

Social distancing guidelines will remain in place on all sites for visitors of the crematorium.

Keeping in line with government guidelines, however, only members of the deceased’s household, close family members, or (if there are no family members) close friends are permitted to attend funerals.

Car parking facilities will be limited at the crematorium in Ockendon Road, Corbets Tey and Upminster for mourners only. Staff may also be directing additional mourners and visitors to the Gardens of Remembrance to use Upminster Cemetery.

Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said: “We know that the changes to the number of mourners able to attend the funerals of loved ones and friends will bring much comfort.

“We are still in the middle of a difficult time with the Coivid-19 pandemic but as we continue to move forward slowly again, there are opportunities to start getting many of our services running as near to normal as possible.”