Reassurance on future operation of Shrewsbury Crematorium

Shropshire’s bereavement services are now provided by a private contractor, and Shropshire Council wants to reassure people about how the change will affect them.
 
As of Monday 29 August 2011, Co-operative Funeralcare has taken on the management and operation of the crematorium and cemetery at Emstrey in Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury General cemetery and five rural cemeteries in the greater Shrewsbury area.
 
Since the announcement, there have been some questions from members of the public about whether the change will affect what funeral directors they are able to use.
 
Shropshire Council leader, Keith Barrow, recently met with the local chairman of the National Association of Funeral Directors, Aubrey Kirkham, to discuss the situation.
 
Councillor Barrow said:

“I was happy to meet Mr Kirkham, because it’s important we listen to the opinions of local businesses about changes to council services.  I am pleased to reassure people that the change of operators at Emstrey Crematorium makes no difference whatsoever to the independence of the service.
 
“It’s also important to remember the new contract will allow for much needed upgrades to the Emstrey site – something that the council cannot afford in this economic climate without private sector investment.”

Shropshire chairman of the National Association of Funeral Directors, Aubrey Kirkham, added:

“I would like to thank Keith for agreeing to meet me, and it was useful to share with him the questions we had been getting from members of the public.  We are keen to reassure people that they still have free choice over which funeral directors they wish to use, whatever company is running the crematorium and cemetery.”