WORK on a major revamp of Crewe Crematorium to improve facilities for the bereaved is set to begin this month.

As part of the £1.3 million scheme, which starts on Monday July 6, Crewe Crematorium, based at Crewe Cemetery, will get a single-storey extension to the front of the existing building.

This will include an arrival area, a book of remembrance alcove and a waiting area.

External walls of remembrance will be built to both the front and side of the existing building to replace the porte-cochère.

The interior will get an extra 38 seats – increasing capacity by more than 50 per cent from the current total of 68 seats.

There will also be an extension of the ‘hearing loop’ to help the hard of hearing access the service.

Toilet facilities will be improved as the existing chapel of rest will be converted into male, female and disabled toilets. Two additional disabled parking spaces will also be created.

Cllr Michael Jones, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This is a major investment by the council to greatly enhance and expand facilities for bereaved families and shows our commitment to deliver improved, quality services for our residents.

“Improving this facility is something that has needed to happen for a long time.”

The work will be done outside crematorium opening hours and services will take place as normal.