Three Kirklees wedding venues closed over Covid breaches COULD reopen as soon as next week

Kirklees Council ordered Gomersal Lodge Hotel in Gomersal and two banqueting halls in Dewsbury to shut last month after investigations revealed they had been holding weddings for up to 150 people.

Covid-19 safety measures were also not being followed at each venue, with a lack of social distancing, especially at arrival and departure.

They were directed to remain shut until their compliance with the regulations had improved.

READ MORE: The three wedding venues shut down over Covid breaches are revealed

But the Council has confirmed that the order has now expired - and depending on which Tier Kirklees is placed in when the lockdown is lifted on December 2, they could, in theory, reopen then.

A spokesman said: “The venues were visited a number of times and given clear instructions to improve their compliance with the COVID-19 regulations. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, and they will remain closed until they have put this right.

“The wedding venues’ closure directions were due to expire during lockdown. As the current national restrictions mean they are unable to open anyway, their situation will be reassessed when national lockdown rules are lifted.

“When lockdown ends, and the Government confirms which Tier Kirklees will be in, we will revisit each venue to assess if they are safe to reopen in line with whichever local restrictions we will be under.”

No fines have been issued at this stage to any of the venues involved.

In Tier 2 wedding ceremonies and receptions with 15 guests will be allowed, but in Tier 3, wedding ceremonies will still be allowed but no receptions.

The Gomersal Lodge Hotel, on Spen Lane, is a Grade II listed building, with a permanent marquee in its grounds used for functions such as weddings. The building, formerly known as High Royd, was built for Mary Taylor, a long-time friend of Charlotte Bronte. Mary's family lived at nearby Red House, which later became the museum.