Mourners at Distington Hall Crematorium will be required to wear face coverings when they attend services from Monday.

The latest Government guidance strongly encourages people to wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces, and this extends to funeral services in crematoria. A number of exemptions apply.

Mourners should bring and wear their own face covering when they are attending a service.

The crematorium chapel is currently able to accommodate a maximum number of 30 attendees at any one time (including the funeral director and celebrant), however social distancing must be observed between attendees and family groupings which may limit the attendance capacity. Funeral directors are supporting families with guidance on this.

James Hunter, Copeland Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Manager, said: “We fully appreciate how upsetting it will be for guests to wear masks while attending the service of a loved one.

“The safety of our guests and our staff are paramount, and we are grateful for the support of the community, clergy, celebrants and funeral directors for continuing to observe Government guidance and work with us during these extremely challenging times.”

The office at Distington Hall Crematorium is currently closed to visitors, but the team can be contacted on 01946 830561 or distingtonhalladmin@copeland.gov.uk.

The Chapel of Remembrance remains closed and an online version of the Book of Remembrance can be viewed at www.copeland.gov.uk.