Increase in deaths in Shropshire sees further delays at county's crematoriums

This follows initial delays last month after a serious breakdown at the busy Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury, which cut the number of cremations taking place there, while repair work was also underway at the facility in Telford.

The company which operates both sites, Dignity, was forced to cut the number of cremations taking place at Telford Crematorium for two weeks while the work was underway, while those who wanted to use the Shrewsbury facility faced an additional week of delays.

Telford Crematorium is now fully operational, with services available in the last two weeks of February, while Emstrey has a small number of services available the week beginning February 19.

John Adams, who is Shropshire branch chairman of the National Association of Funeral Directors, said an increase in deaths has put further pressure on crematoriums, and that he hopes things will return to normal by mid-February. Dignity spokesman, Stuart Cox, said January and February are traditionally the busiest times for crematoria.

Mr Adams, also of Perry and Phillips Funeral Directors in Bridgnorth, said: "We are looking at three weeks of delays for cremations. There has been an increase in deaths nationally unfortunately, including in Shropshire, which has put further pressure on crematoriums.

"I personally think by the middle of February at Telford Crematorium and Shrewsbury's Emstrey Crematorium we will see things back to normal - I hope that's the case.

"Dignity has done the repair works properly at both sites - once the equipment has been replaced there, it will stand for a long time. Both Telford and Shrewsbury are well-run facilities and the staff really care about what they are doing and we support them.

"We are all working together for the families. Care for families remains the highest in Shropshire. We are all working together to continue the service.

"Despite the delays, we remain positive and hope it will be sorted soon."

Mr Cox added: "Following the recent maintenance of equipment, Telford Crematorium is now fully operational. Services are available on February 21 and 22, and during the week commencing February 26. There are a small number of services available at Emstrey Crematorium during the week commencing February 19.

"In the UK, the average time between date of death and the day of the funeral is 17 days at any time of year. This period can increase during January and February which are traditionally the busiest times for crematoria. At present, many crematoria are very busy and there has been a notable increase in the death rate in some regions.

"As a national crematoria operator we have noticed an increasing trend for families asking that the funeral takes place on a particular day. Mondays and Fridays are the most popular for those with relatives travelling long distances to the funeral. Therefore, some families are choosing to wait for the service time they want to become available."