Following a review, Birmingham City Council has extended weekend opening times for visitors across all burial sites and crematoria grounds in the city.
Opening times for visitors have been restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cemeteries and crematoria grounds were originally closed to the public. Following new government guidelines issued on Saturday 18th April, the city’s facilities were opened for two hours every evening after services and at weekends from Tuesday 21st April.
Birmingham City Council said that following feedback from the community, these times had been reviewed and extended weekend opening times agreed.
From Saturday 2 May 2020 new, extended weekend opening times will be operational, with weekday opening times remaining unchanged.
This means that opening times at south west Birmingham facilities will be:
- Brandwood End:
- Monday – Friday 4.30pm – 6.30pm
- Saturday – Sunday 12pm – 4pm
- Kings Norton Cemetery:
- Monday – Friday 4.30pm – 6.30pm
- Saturday – Sunday 12pm – 4pm
- Lodge Hill Cemetery:
- Monday – Friday 6.30pm – 8.30pm
- Saturday 3pm – 6.30pm
- Sunday 12pm – 4pm
- Quinton Cemetery:
- Monday – Friday 4.30pm – 6.30pm
- Saturday – Sunday 12pm – 4pm
Visitors to facilities are asked to adhere to government guidelines on social distancing.
For more information visit the Birmingham City Council directory.
Paul Lankester, Interim Assistant Director of Regulation and Enforcement at Birmingham City Council said: “These changes have been kept under review and we are now in a position to extend the opening hours at weekends only. The key consideration has had to be around social distancing, and therefore our cemeteries and crematoria will remain closed to visitors whilst funeral services take place.
“This also helps our staff to manage the restrictions on mourner numbers, which is limited to six people to ensure the safety of all involved, considering the other attenders (officiating person and undertaker staff) and the change in Government guidance allowing vulnerable people to attend.”
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, added: “I hope that the extended times will provide more flexibility for people to visit their loved ones who have passed. All we ask is for people to be courteous and patient around gravesides, ensuring that two metre distance from each other is maintained – as they would in parks, shops and other public spaces.
“I also hope that those who are visiting these sites respect our staff, including our security officers. Abuse towards our staff at these sites is completely unacceptable and will be treated seriously.”
