TWO temporary mortuaries at Walton Hall and Gardens have not been set up again.

The facilities were developed at the site in April last year because of the coronavirus crisis.

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

Fortunately, the two structures were not needed during May, but continued to be on site.

And Warrington Borough Council chief executive Steven Broomhead MBE has confirmed the temporary mortuaries have not been re-established.

He said: “The site was created as part of a joint agreement between three Cheshire authorities to create additional capacity in response to national modelling available at the time.

“Our priority was to ensure that we had appropriate facilities available to guarantee that people taken by coronavirus would be treated with dignity and respect.

“There are no additional temporary facilities established in Cheshire and there is no intention to create additional facilities based on current capacity within mortuaries.

“This is different to the first lockdown as additional storage facilities have been introduced into the system at NHS mortuary sites, which prevent the need for further additional storage facilities to be established.”

But it remains a critical time for the town, along with the rest of the country, in the battle against Covid-19.

Cllr Bob Barr, leader of Warrington’s Liberal Democrats, says the current infection and death rates from the virus are a cause of concern for everyone.

He added: “It is vital that during a national crisis, local and central government work together to support the NHS.

“During the first peak, there was a real fear, based on the modelling, that normal mortuary capacity might have been exceeded.

“Setting up the temporary mortuary was right and cooperation between Warrington and the Cheshire authorities worked well.

“It is a relief that a mortuary is not yet needed, but if it was I am sure the councils would work together again.

“It is worrying that a small minority in Warrington are disobeying the lockdown rules, spreading conspiracy theories and casting doubt on the vaccination programme.

“These individuals feel that they are providing a public service by getting the ‘truth’ out.

“I strongly disagree and fear their actions will cost lives.”