FAQ

Why didn't you keep the park closed?

Answer:: The council has developed a number of control measures to ensure the safe reopening of the park - an essential move to support the mental health and wellbeing of residents during this time. However, the health and safety of residents will remain a priority and failure to comply with these measures and the government’s guidance on access to green space and social distancing could result in fines or closure of the park.

How much capacity is there in existing cemeteries?

Answer:

Like a number of London boroughs, Tower Hamlets does not have burial or crematorium facilities within the borough. This has been the case for several decades and is not a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, funeral directors will continue to support families who have lost a relative to discuss the various options including available locations for the funeral of their loved ones.

In additional to a number of locations across London, Tower Hamlets residents do have the opportunity to use Kemnal Park cemetery, where the council has a number of burial spaces available with the option for additional plots if needed.

How will funeral directors and crematoriums cope with the increase in deaths and funerals?

Answer:

There is ongoing discussion with funeral directors and other key partners, including at regular borough and London-wide multi-agency group meetings on capacity issues.

Government advice has been clear that numbers attending funerals will need to be severely restricted and funeral directors are making this clear to families as a crucial public health issue, but this does also help to manage some capacity management concerns too.

Despite the extra pressures being faced, ensuring that those who have passed away are treated with care and compassion remains a top priority, as does supporting families through such a difficult time.

How will funeral services take place without increasing the risk of infection?

Answer:

All funeral services are being carried out following Public Health England (PHE) advice, whereby the number of mourner’s present are strictly limited and people that should be self isolating are unfortunately required to stay away from the funeral.

We know this will be upsetting for some people unable to attend funerals but recognise the very serious public health need for these measures to be in place.

New advice for safe funerals after discussions with faith leaders

What measures are in place for accommodating multi-faith needs, such as the requirement for Muslim and Jewish funerals to take place as soon as possible?

Answer:

National representatives from the Muslim and Jewish faiths took part in establishing Public Health England (PHE) guidance that recognises the need to respect the funeral practices and rites of all faith communities.

The council welcomes this reassurance and the work taking place with faith groups to ensure that all needs are met in relation to burials where possible. Additional advice by PHE is being given to local faith funeral directors to ensure that all rites are protected within current government guidelines, where they can be carried out safely, for example with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Other parks in London aren't doing this, why are you?

Answer:: Other councils are not unique in their duty to promote and defend public health, the same as Tower Hamlets. Similar control measures have been introduced across London, and the country. Other councils have also been forced to close, then reopen, their parks in response to visitors ignoring government guidance on social distancing – including the London boroughs of Southwark, Lambeth and Hammersmith & Fulham, to name a few.

Can I drive to the park if I have a Blue Badge?

Answer:: Yes. Blue badge holders have access to Lido car park (eastern side), Gore Road Gate entrance (west side) and blue badge vehicles are permitted to drive and park on main carriages.

Can the measures be enforced?

Answer:: The government has introduced higher fines for those who do not comply, to reflect the increased risk to others of breaking the rules as we begin to ease the restrictions, and people return to work. If the police believe that you have broken the law – or if you refuse to follow their instructions enforcing the law – a police officer may issue you with a fixed penalty notice for £100 (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days). If you have already received a fixed penalty notice, the amount will increase to £200 and double on each further repeat offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.

I've turned up to the park and it's closed. What do I do?

Answer:: For your health, and the health of others, safe operation of the park is subject to having the right number of staff available. Due to circumstances beyond our control, opening the park may not always be possible and we may need to close the west side of the park, or the entire park, at short notice.

Can I take a rest on a bench while I'm at the park?

Answer:: Yes. Alone or with members of your household.

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