Around £1million could be spent upgrading cremators at a Black Country Crematorium – including work to cope with large coffins, it was revealed today.

Dudley Council is looking into replacing one of the two cremators at Gornal Wood Crematorium with an “oversized” one.

The authority has employed consultants to draw up plans for improvements at the site. Their report recommends that both cremators at the site in Chase Road are replaced as they are now nearing the end of their operational life.

Equipment to reduce mercury emissions, which comes from dental fillings, also needs to installed.The plans have been drawn up following a review by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), which said at least one of the cremators in the borough needs to have the ability to reduce mercury emissions.

A report by cabinet member for environment and culture, Councillor David Stanley says that the cremators at Stourbridge Crematorium, in South Road,will also need replacing soon but the council is likely to wait until September, 2013.

The report says: “It is anticipated that the upgrading of cremators and installation of mercury abatement equipment at Gornal Wood will cost approximately £1m.”

Councillor Stanley said: “The improvements are being planned to replace the old cremators which have been in use for 15 years and are approaching the end of their lifespan. Any proposed work will also meet new government requirements on mercury emissions.

“The day-to-day running of the crematorium will not be affected and once the work’s completed it will result in an improved and more efficient service.”

It follows the go-ahead for security work costing £25,000 at both crematoriums. The work is being carried out after they were hit by a spate of vandalism and thefts. Graves at both sites have been vandalised and graffiti has been daubed on some memorials.

Raiders have also snatched computers, drills and personal items from Stourbridge Crematorium.