CEMETERIES across Barrow are to be closed in line with government regulations designed to protect people during the coronavirus outbreak.

The decision will affect three cemeteries owned by Barrow Borough Council: Barrow Cemetery on Devonshire Road, Dalton Cemetery on Newton Road and Ireleth Cemetery on Broughton Road.

One frequent visitor of Barrow's cemetery is Nikita Williams.

The 25-year-old lost her 11-month-old daughter Iylah Grace Hoggarth in February, in what was believed to be due to cot death.

She visits the cemetery every day to speak to her.

"I am really upset about this, and it is quite distressing," she said.

“Visiting her every day helps me through this difficult time.

“I understand why they are doing this but I think there should be certain circumstances where people can enter, possibly with a limit on how many can go in to the grounds at a time.

“I am hoping this will only be for a couple of weeks.

“I physically need to go every day as I feel like she can hear me, pictures just aren’t enough.

“I go there and cry for her.

“I will just have to get on with it though knowing I can’t see her.”

Funerals will continue to take place though fewer people will be able to attend and mourners are asked to follow expert advice on the importance of social distancing.

Councillor Lee Roberts, deputy leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: “This is something we are having to do with a great deal of sadness as we understand that being able to visit a cemetery and tend graves is something that brings comfort to family members and friends, particularly on special dates and anniversaries.

“Unfortunately, during these unprecedented times, we simply don’t have a choice.

“The new guidelines state cemeteries should be closed to the public as part of the nationwide effort to tackle the spread of COVID-19 and reduce pressures on the NHS.

“We hope people will understand this is a temporary measure and all three cemeteries will be open again as soon as it is safe to do so.”