A MAXIMUM of six mourners are now permitted to attend burials and cremations in Redditch as part of measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Redditch Borough Council has increased measures to ensure friends and relatives can say goodbye to their loved ones as safely as possible.

Mike Birkinshaw, Redditch Borough Council’s Bereavement Services Manager, said: “As part of our continuing efforts to protect everyone during Coronavirus, and in line with the latest Government advice, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to limit numbers.

“It’s the latest change designed to help people say goodbye as safely as possible.”

Bereavement Services staff have already spaced out crematorium pews, removed hymn books, and asked mourners to remain in their cars before, and remove tissues and service sheets after, funerals – as well as reducing the cost of livestreaming ceremonies to £40 to make remote attendance more accessible.

These safety measures are subject to updates at short notice, as Government guidelines are subject to change.