REDDITCH Borough Council is embarking on an improvement project to upgrade its award winning crematorium.

The work, which which start on July 24 and will cost around £350k, will create a new waiting area, toilet facilities and upgrade to the main chapel.

During this project an alternate chapel has been put in the grounds using a marquee, fully fitted with seating for one hundred and full audio system.

Councillor Debbie Chance, portfolio holder for Bereavement Services said: “We provide a second to none service for families in Redditch, Bromsgrove and beyond with more people choosing our fine facility to say a final farewell to loved ones.

“These works will improve the experience of our customers, particularly the larger waiting area.”

The works are set to last around 12 weeks and during this time access to the Book of Remembrance may, for short periods, be limited due to site safety.

The council’s bereavement services manager Michael Birkinshaw, said “This opportunity to upgrade and improve our facilities will put us in a great position for the future and will help support our service delivery in the coming years.

"We apologise for any inconvenience in the meantime but have made sure our temporary arrangements are more than sufficient.”