Neath Port Talbot cemeteries re-opening to public

28 April 2020

PRESS RELEASE

Following new Welsh Government advice, all Neath Port Talbot owned cemeteries plus Margam Crematorium will be re-opened to the public from Thursday (April 30th, 2020) for visits to graves or memorials.

In common with other Welsh local authorities earlier this month, Neath Port Talbot Council announced the temporary closure of its crematorium and cemeteries to members of the public (unless attending a funeral) to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.

But following dialogue between Council Leaders and Welsh Government Ministers due to the sensitivity of family visits to graves, the Welsh Government issued further guidance.

Margam Crematorium and the Council owned cemeteries will now re-open from Thursday though people making visits are reminded social distancing and other measures designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 must be adhered to.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Engineering, Cllr Ted Latham said: “This has been a hugely challenging time for everyone and we understand the closure of cemeteries and the grounds of Margam Crematorium for family visits has not been welcome.

“This is why we are now re-opening them as soon as we can with measures put in place to ensure public visits are as safe as possible for everyone involved.

“Please ensure you are mindful of social distancing rules and please remember to observe them when visiting loved ones who have passed.

“This is a balance between stopping the spread of Coronavirus and meeting the basic human need for people to visit the resting place of their loved ones. Working together I am sure we can get this balance right.”

Along with Margam Crematorium, the Council operates cemeteries in the following areas:
•     Cymmer
•     Goytre
•     Margam
•     Ynysmaerdy
•     Cwmbedd (Giants Grave)
•     Onllwyn
•     Llantwit
•     Carmel
•     Godre’r Graig