We’ve been working hard to ensure we can reopen our cemeteries, to allow mourners to be able to visit the graves of their loved ones, in a way that protects visitors and critical workers.

In line with the recent advice from Government on the operation of cemeteries and crematoriums during the global health emergency, we are satisfied that new measures we have put in place will allow us to safely reopen Trent Park Cemetery and Islington and St Pancras Cemetery.

Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s executive member for environment and transport, and lead for the Islington and Camden Cemetery Service, said:

“I know how hard this has been for mourners wanting to visit the graves of their loved ones in our cemeteries, at this very difficult time.

“Our top priority during this global health emergency must be to ensure that our cemeteries are safe. I’m pleased we’ve been able to introduce new measures to allow us to re-open cemeteries in a way which protects mourners and our critical staff.

“I’d like to pay tribute to our staff and volunteers for their sterling efforts during this unprecedented time – and trust that visitors will help us to maintain a safe and appropriate environment in our cemeteries.”

Trent Park Cemetery has reopened to visitors today, with opening hours unchanged.

As there is an operating crematorium at Islington and St Pancras Cemetery, Government advice was to keep the entire cemetery closed.

However, we have made arrangements that allow access during the week for mourners wanting to visit the graves of their loved ones, and full public access to the grounds at weekends only.

Islington and St Pancras Cemetery will reopen on Saturday, 25 April. Opening hours will be restricted to 10am to 3pm every day.

Hampstead Cemetery will remain open thanks to the help of the Friends of Hampstead Cemetery.

We may still need to restrict access to our cemeteries at certain times, and we thank visitors in advance for their understanding and co-operation at this difficult time.