Crematorium work to allow for wider coffins

Work to replace four cremators at Wolverhampton's Bushbury Crematorium with more modern equipment, including one which can handle wider coffins is set to start in the autumn it has been announced.

The project, which is expected to cost in the region of £1.7 million, will see alternate closures of both chapels on the site but bosses say most of the work will be carried out at weekends when cremation services are not scheduled to take place.

The crematorium is the second busiest in the region, with 2,500 services annually.

Council chiefs behind the scheme say new cremators will also be fitted with appropriate mercury abatement equipment in accordance with recent government legislation.

Wolverhampton Council spokesman Tim Clark said: "The city council is currently reviewing tenders and will shortly be issuing a contract to the successful bidder with a view to work beginning in the autumn."

At the same time, the West Chapel's catafalque, in effect a moveable hoist, will be replaced in order to handle wider coffins. The catafalque in the East Chapel is already able to handle wider coffins, but the East Chapel doors are to be widened slightly as part of the improvement works.

The work is expected to be completed within 12 months.