BLACKBURN with Darwen Council's chief executive Denise Park has written to the government for clarification on its request to keep graveyards open despite coronavirus.

At the weekend local government secretary Robert Jenrick asked councils to re-open parks and cemeteries.

Ms Park said: "Our parks have remained open for residents to enjoy for their daily exercise.

"All cemeteries were closed in line with the government advice to protect our residents and staff.

"As a council we committed to reviewing the decision with a view to re-opening our cemeteries as soon as it was safe.

"We are writing to Government to ask for clarity on whether and how cemeteries can be re-opened while adhering to the strict coronavirus protocols, including only essential travel and social distancing rules.

"Under the current law, Pleasington Cemetery would still be required to remain closed, except for funerals and burials, due to the crematorium being based within its grounds. This is to ensure funerals can continue to take place safely.

"The restrictions limiting the number of family and friends attending burials and cremations also needs to remain in place."

A spokesman for Mr Jenrick said: “ He is asking councils to keep open or indeed reopen cemeteries and graveyards. Not for people to congregate in. That must not happen. But for people to make that private visit. To seek solace in a word at the grave of someone you have loved. Or to privately lay flowers.”