Grieving friends and relatives barred from loved one's funeral services in Slough by Covid restrictions can now have a webcast of ceremonies broadcast into their own homes.

At the moment only 20 people are permitted in the chapel at Slough Crematorium and Cemetery in Stoke Road with a further 10 allowed to congregate outside and listen to the service on loud speakers.

But now the borough council is offering mourners unable to attend a service the chance to watch in their own time by having it recorded and available for 28 days. Another option is for the service to be recorded and a permanent copy given to the family.

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There is a small charge for the webcast which is bookable when making arrangements through the family’s chosen funeral director. The family will then be given a unique code and website details to be used on the day.

Councillor Pavitar K. Mann, lead member for regulatory services which includes the cemetery and crematorium, said: “At the moment, it isn’t possible for everyone’s family and friends to attend the cemetery and crematorium to say their last goodbye, but this is hopefully a comforting alternative.

“Not only will it mean everyone can view the service if they are not in a family bubble permitted in the chapel numbers, but will also minimise the risk of coronavirus infection and negate the need for people to travel to Slough.

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“Our sympathies go out to everyone who has had to say goodbye to someone during the last year and we hope this live streaming service will give comfort to extended family and friends.”

As of Tuesday Slough’s current infection rate is 1059.9 per 100,000 of the population.

There is more information and the pricing structure of the webcast available at https://www.slough.gov.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-births-marriages-deaths/3