'It has been tough for families': Hartlepool funeral director on the challenges caused by the pandemic

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Stephen Laughton of Co-op Funeralcare on Stockton Road said both they and families have had to adapt to the restrictions which continue to limit the number of people at services to just a handful.

Most arrangements have to be carried out over the phone or electronically and mourners are not allowed to travel to funerals in funeral directors’ limousines.

Mr Laughton said: “It has been really difficult at times. Sometimes we are not meeting the families until the day of the funeral.

Stephen Laughton with his son's Daniel (left) and Craig (right) outside Co-op Funeralcare at Strathmore House, Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REID

“It means we can’t give the choices that we normally do. We have started to leave more from families’ houses so friends can come out and line the street to pay their respects and that has worked really well.

“We are just taking it every day as it comes.”

Despite the increasing lifting of the lockdown, funeral attendances continue to be limited to immediate family or very close friends only.

“It has been tough for families when they could only have 15 people at a service whereas in other times the church may have been full,” added Mr Laughton.

But funeral services held in churches are beginning to return with two organised by the Co-op this week.

And they hope to have their limos back on the road soon with new dividing screens fitted inside.

“We are trying to give people a dignified and respectful funeral under the circumstances,” added Mr Laughton.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.