Weymouth Town Council cemeteries – important information

Further update – 21st April 2020

Following the announcement on Saturday by Local Government Secretary, Robert Jenrick, Weymouth Cemetery has been re-opened. We have removed closed signs and will open our main gate on Quibo Lane to allow for pedestrian and vehicular access to graves for those with restricted mobility. All smaller entranceways will remain closed to deter the use of the cemetery for recreation and exercise but, by opening up the main gate, this will enable those wishing to visit their loved ones to do so. Signs have been placed on the smaller entranceways advising that access to Weymouth Cemetery is via the main gate on Quibo Lane.

Update – 6th April 2020

Weymouth Town Council has re-opened Melcombe, Melcombe Extension and Wyke Cemeteries following the latest guidance issued by the ICCM (Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management) relating to the closure of cemeteries in England.

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that cemeteries can remain open, unless the crematorium is situated within a cemetery. Weymouth Cemetery will remain closed as it is adjacent to the Crematorium.

The Government has given very clear guidance about the reasons that people can leave their homes, visiting a cemetery or crematorium other than for a funeral, and then in limited circumstances, is not one of them. 

If we receive reports of people using the cemeteries as an alternative to parks to get round the social distancing measures then we may be forced to re-close, as this could compromise the aims of the Government’s measures to slow the spread of the virus.

Original post – 30th March 2020

Weymouth Town Council owned cemeteries are now closed to visitors, these include Weymouth Cemetery, Melcombe Cemetery, Melcombe Extension and Wyke Cemetery. 

Funeral Corteges can enter as normal but we respectfully request that there are no more than ten mourners at each service. 

This action has been taken following a joint statement from The Association of Police & Crime Commissioners (APCC), Crematorium Society, Faith Based Commission on Accreditation (FBCA) and the Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management (ICCM) Coronavirus Act 2020 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2020.

Please click here to view the full statement.