Shirehall bosses are working on a £1.5 million scheme to replace equipment at Shrewsbury Crematorium in order to cut mercury emissions caused by dental fillings.

The predicted cost of the work to replace cremators at Emstrey has rocketed by £500,000 since initial estimates were drawn up three years ago.

The law requires all crematoriums to be fitted with equipment to reduce emissions by 50 per cent by the end of 2012.

Mercury, which accumulates in air and water, can damage the brain, kidneys, nervous system and can affect unborn children.

Crematoriums are estimated to be responsible for up to 16 per cent of all UK emissions of mercury.

Brian Johnson, central area public protection manager with Shropshire Council, said: “The replacement of the cremators at Shrewsbury crematorium has been planned for some time, as the existing cremators have been well used for more than 15 years old and are coming to the end of their use.

“However, new cremators would also reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and mercury, improving the impact on the environment and helping to save the council money.

“Under new government legislation, from 2012 crematorium operators will be penalised if emissions of mercury from cremators exceed certain levels. By paying to replace the cremators we would therefore save money in the long run.”

Mr Johnson said a feasibility study was being carried out over the next two to three weeks into the replacement of the cremators.

“Initial estimates made in 2007 put the cost of replacing the cremator at around £1 million,” he said.

Officials have previously talked about the opportunity to take part in an emission-trading scheme.

In 2005 The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs predicted that, without action, emissions from crematoriums could rise by two-thirds by 2020 – making them the biggest mercury polluter.

By Russell Roberts