A TEMPORARY mortuary is being created in Poole in case extra capacity for body storage is required as the coronavirus pandemic worsens.

The site at Poole Port has been approved as one of two “mortality support units” in the county –the other being The Old Radio Station in Dorchester.

The county’s local resilience forum said the move had been made as part of its “duty” to prepare for a “worst-case” scenario.

Poole Port’s new facility is expected to be operational from the beginning of next week and will house temporary units for storing bodies.

“I’d like to reassure our communities that these are temporary sites, being installed so that we can accommodate a potential increase in the number of deceased safely, compassionately and respectfully,” councillor Vikki Slade, the leader of BCP Council, said.

“The more we follow national advice now and stay home, the more we are all doing our bit to delay and suppress the spread of the virus and so help reduce the number of deaths locally.”

The council has already increased its mortuary capacity at Holly Tree Lodge in preparation for a rise in the number of deaths in the area.

Plans for expanded provision have been made through Dorset Local Resilience Forum – a partnership including the county’s two unitary authorities, NHS trusts and police.

Funeral directors have also been consulted on the forum's plans.

The facility in Dorchester is expected to be operational from the beginning of May, should it be needed.

“We appreciate that this topic is a difficult one for everyone,” councillor Spencer Flower, the leader of Dorset Council said. “We are keen to reassure residents that these mortality support units are being established as part of our duty to plan for a worst-case scenario.”