GORNAL and Stourbridge crematoriums will be closed to visitors from next week following government guidelines to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Dudley Council had previously said the closure would start from Good Friday (April 20).

But the local authority has since announced both sites will close their gates to visitors from Tuesday, April 14.

The closures mean only mourners attending a service can visit the two sites.

Funerals are also being limited to a maximum of ten people from Tuesday and the closures will also mean that people cannot visit Gornal and Stourbridge cemeteries, due to them being adjoined to the crematorium.

Dudley, Dudley New, Lye and Wollescote, Cradley, Halesowen and Brierley Hill cemeteries remain open to the public.

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: "Following national government advice, we have taken the decision to close our crematoriums to all visitors, apart from mourners attending service.

"Funerals have sadly been identified as high risk for spreading the virus and services in Dudley borough will be limited to 10 people from Tuesday. This is a restriction that is in line with government advice and will be similarly adopted by many of our neighbouring authorities.

"While the rest of our cemeteries will remain open to the public, regrettably Stourbridge and Gornal cemeteries will be closed from Tuesday. We appreciate that this is a really difficult and upsetting time for those who would usually visit our crematorium sites to remember loved ones and our hearts go out to all who are affected.

"I would like to remind residents to maintain social distancing by remaining at least 2 metres away from others. It is our civic duty to stay home and only travel when it is absolutely essential in order to save lives and protect our NHS."