TWO temporary mortuaries at Walton Hall and Gardens have not been required during the coronavirus pandemic, it has been confirmed.

It was selected as a regional site to hold up to 1,000 bodies as part of plans to manage excess deaths.

This was based on a ‘broad set of assumptions’ followed by comprehensive and detailed modelling.

Fortunately, the two structures were not needed during May and, although they continue to be on site, they are not currently being used.

In an update ahead of the cabinet’s virtual meeting on Monday, council chief executive Steven Broomhead said: “Thank god, we didn’t actually need to use them.

“The number of deaths meant that they were not required at all.”

According to data from the Office for National Statistics, as of May 29, there had been 1,059 deaths in Warrington during 2020, with 213 of these related to coronavirus.

The council says its bereavement team has provided a critical service during the difficult time, partly by supporting families and working closely with funeral directors.

Town Hall chiefs have highlighted their pride at the way frontline workers have stepped up to play their part during the crisis.

The council now has around 1,500 employees regularly working at home for most of their duties.

On the business front, the authority has been working closely with businesses, partners and the Business Improvement District team to ensure that the town centre is prepared and ready to reopen after the lockdown was eased.

Senior figures believe the economic recovery will be a ‘slow process’ but are confident the new safety measures put in place will deliver a major boost the footfall in shopping areas.

Mr Broomhead added: “Obviously, we are now moving away from the response phase and very much towards recovery and restoration.

“But I think we all realise we are going to have to learn to live with Covid medically, economically, socially, psychologically, culturally and politically.”