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Additional burial plots are being prepared at a cemetery as a council braces itself for 'increased' deaths during coronavirus outbreak.

Taunton Deane Crematorium and Cemetery, on Wellington Road, is closed to everyone except mourners attending services from Monday, April 6.

This decision means the public will be unable to pay their respects to lost relatives or friends during the lockdown period as social distancing measures are implemented.

Services will continue to be held but with a maximum attendance of 25 people.

Somerset West and Taunton Council, which owns the site and is responsible for burials, has stated Taunton Deane Crematorium and Cemetery is also closed to the general public to prepare "a number of additional burial plots."

The authority has stated this is in anticipation of a "likely" increase in the number of deaths in the area. The move also allows the crematorium to "provide choice when meeting the needs of the deceased."

Posts widely shared on social media have claimed that a further 200 graves have been readied, but this has not been verified.

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, leader of the council, said she "hoped that they won't be needed but we have to be prepared" as the council sensitively deals with any deaths during the coronavirus outbreak.

She said: "All councils in Somerset are contingency planning across all their services to cope with the potential impacts of the Coronavirus.

(Image: Facebook)

"Somerset West and Taunton Council is responsible for the provision of burials and, like authorities across the country, has to plan for a likely higher than normal number of deaths in the coming weeks.

“We cannot know exactly how significant any increase will be, but as a precaution we have started to prepare a number of additional burial plots.

"This is to ensure we can provide choice when meeting the needs of the deceased.

"We hope that they won’t be needed but we have to be prepared, and this is clearly a subject to be handled with great sensitivity.

"Throughout this difficult time we remain committed to ensuring the dignity of the deceased, meeting their wishes and those of their families.

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"To allow us the safe space to work we have from this week (Monday, April 6) closed the Taunton Crematorium and Cemetery on Wellington Road to everyone except mourners.

“We appeal to everyone to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus by following all the Government guidance, especially that around social distancing, self-isolation and handwashing.”

Other cemeteries remain open but the council has urged visitors to "observe appropriate social distancing."

More information and support for those grieving can be found on Somerset West and Taunton Council's website.