Streatham Cemetery in Lambeth opened to the public today (April 22), allowing people to visit loved ones’ graves again.   

But the two other cemeteries in the borough remain closed because they have crematoria on the grounds.  

The council closed the borough’s three cemeteries at the start of the month in a bid to fight the spread of coronavirus.  

Streatham, West Norwood, and Lambeth cemeteries have only been open to funeral services since.  

Mourners at all funeral services are restricted to close family members to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus to attendees and staff involved in the ceremony. 

Lambeth council made the decision to reopen Streatham cemetery following Government guidance, but not West Norwood or Lambeth because both have crematoria on their grounds.  

A council spokesperson said: “Under the emergency legislation issued by the Government we are able to reopen Streatham Cemetery. 

“Lambeth and West Norwood Cemeteries have crematoria within the grounds, and so legally under the same legislation they have to remain restricted to funeral parties and those with scheduled appointments.” 

The move follows the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, urging councils to keep open or reopen cemeteries to allow people mourning the loss of a loved one to visit graves.  

At a press conference, where he said the same about parks, he said: “I’m also asking councils to keep open or indeed to reopen cemeteries and graveyards… for people to make that private visit and seek solace at the grave of someone you’ve loved or to privately lay flowers. 

“There have been times in my life when I have needed to do that. 

“These are small steps, but small mercies can make a difference.”