Anger grows in Calderdale over ban on grieving families an crematoriums

Soon after lockdown Calderdale Council first banned any services at its crematorium at Park Wood, Elland, then did allow up to ten mourners to attend a service using social distancing – but not allowing them into the chapel.

Funeral directors, clergy, celebrants and some councillors say this has to change as it it causing families distress and argue services could be conducted safely.

They say Government guidance allows a limited number of mourners to do this and other councils all over the country, including neighbouring Rochdale and Burnley, who are allowing up to 15 people into their similarly sized chapels, are doing this, with only some West Yorkshire Councils and York imposing the restriction.

Funeral Director Amanda Dalby of Amanda Dalby Funeral Services, Halifax, says she and others have made representations to the council but got nowhere.

“I have seen how heartbreaking it is for the families – it is freezing outside and raining.

“Everyone is against what is happening at Park Wood Crematorium but we are just hitting a brick wall with the council,” she said.

One widow who was 85 had to sit on a buffet in the cold and rain at her husband’s service, said Amanda.

But the council’s Cabinet member for Public Services and Communities, Coun Susan Press (Lab, Todmorden) said in “uprecendented and difficult times” the safety of mourners, staff and the wider community had to remain paramount and current usage of the crematorium meant thorough cleaning between services would not be possible as unacceptable delays for families would result.

“We know that it is not ideal for cremation services to have to take place outside, but it is the only way we can ensure the safest and most dignified approach possible at this time,” said Coun Press.

The council was monitoring the situation and keeping it under review, she said.

Coun Geraldine Carter (Con, Ryburn) disagreed, saying Government guidance allows for close family to be present but Calderdale Council had chosen not to follow it.

“I am really struggling with this decision. I believe that everyone has a right to be laid to rest in a respectful, dignified manner.

“I am also struggling with the concept that the council has chosen to cherry pick the guidance.

“So the only conclusion one can come to is that the bereaved are not going to be treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect as requested by the guidance.”

Amanda Dalby believes there will be mental health issues arising from the current situation in the future.

She says of families: “They are not getting proper closure and there could be a lot of unresolved grief as a result of this. That’s going to be a very big problem.”

Amanda says services are rushed and it is “heartbreaking” because families cannot escort their loved ones into the chapel and there have been technical issues with being able to stream services.

“I have never carried out my role with a heavy heart but I am at the moment. It isn’t fair for families to sit out in the cold,” she said.

She says the chapel is big enough to socially distance with those numbers and funeral directors themselves could wipe down seating afterwards.

Calderdale Methodist Minister Rev Colin Sherwood said everyone understood sensible measures had to be applied but other places were allowing services.

He said: “Your heart breaks for the families. It could be done better.

“In other parts of the country there are people meeting in chapels of the same size.

“I can’t see the harm. I only see families struggling.”

Calderdale Funeral Celebrant David Ramanauskas said some issues were practical.

Although there is a canopy it is windy and very cold and he said in some cases relatives had travelled to the service but could not access the toilet facilities because they are inside the chapel and others they might use in normal times, for example at pubs or cafes, are closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s pretty poor, really, and it’s going to get much, much worse for everyone. It does seem inhumane,” he said.

Coun James Baker (Lib Dem, Warley) has previously raised the issue with Cabinet as he feels limited numbers could use the chapel employing social distancing guidelines.

Coun Press said the council was doing everything it possibly could to support bereaved families at what was already such an emotional time for them.

But there was currently a very high volume of funerals being held at Park Wood Crematorium – ten more per week than in March and April last year.

“If services were held inside the chapel and thorough cleaning was carried out after each one for safety reasons, we would be unable to manage the current demand for our service and waiting times for families would increase to an unacceptable level.

“We are fortunate to have a covered entrance to the chapel at Park Wood, which helps to shelter mourners from the weather during outdoor services,” she said.

Coun Press said bereavement staff were working above and beyond to ensure cremations and funeral services were carried out with the utmost care and respect whilst protecting everyone’s safety.

“They are continuing to provide their usual professionalism and compassion to help grieving families through this tough time.

“It is vital that staff stay safe and well so they can keep offering this valued support,” she said.