Relatives 'being supported' during Telford Crematorium repairs

Urgent work at the facility has meant many families have had to hold off on saying their final goodbyes while others have chosen to go elsewhere.

But those who would have picked Shrewsbury’s Emstrey Crematorium as their second choice have hit similar delays due to a major breakdown there.

Funeral directors have now offered reassurances to grieving relatives that they will work closely with the crematorium to get things back to normal as soon as possible.

John Adams, of Perry & Phillips Funeral Directors in Bridgnorth, is Shropshire branch chairman of the National Association of Funeral Directors.

He said: “Obviously it is delaying funeral services but the Telford companies that use their facilities are all very pleased with how they work.

“They work very closely with us and they provide an excellent service to the bereaved. It is causing delays but unfortunately that’s the position we are all in.

"Telford Crematorium don’t want to be in this position either – it’s not their fault. We are doing everything we can for the families and they know the situation.”

Mr Adams said: "All families affected have been made aware of the delays and what their options are.

“We have had occasions when families have said it must be Telford and some of them have had to wait a few more days. ” he said.

“We are in the middle of quite a few crematoriums, and while Telford is the one we go to the most, a few people will go to another crematorium to have it done quicker if that helps them move forward in their grieving process.

“But for the sake of a few days most people think it is worth waiting. It is the family’s decision and they are always fully supported.”

The company which operates both sites, Dignity, has cut the number of cremations taking place at Telford Crematorium for two weeks while the work is underway, while those wanting to use the Shrewsbury facility face an additional week of delays.

Dignity spokesman Stuart Cox said: “We regularly maintain the cremator at Telford but unfortunately there is now a legal requirement for repair work to be undertaken immediately.

“This will slightly reduce the number of services we can provide per day for the next two weeks but we will then return to full capacity. All local funeral directors have been informed.”