New crematorium on target to open

A new £3.25million crematorium is on target to open in West Bromwich later this month.

Plans were approved last year to modernise the 40-year-old crematorium next to Forge Mill Farm, which was facing problems due to the age of the cremators and emissions legislation.

Councillor Derek Rowley, Sandwell bereavement services chief, said the new site, set to open on August 16 was outstanding.

He added: "It is the most modern facility in the UK. It is totally modern, up-to-date and the most sympathetic crematorium I've seen."

The new service room is octagonal to reflect the eight days of the spiritual week and features a picturesque view of Sandwell Valley. The turreted roof lets in light and helps air the room in summer.

The walls are painted white and feature wall hangings made out of recycled wood depicting open-armed people, to offer comfort to mourners.

Cameras fitted on the underside of the balcony will record rituals for mourners and also provide a live web feed for those who cannot attend the service to watch online thanks to a passwork-protected webcast.

The new site has been fitted to allow for mourners to personalise their ritual. A projector fixed to the ceiling can play background footage, while a sound system can provide requested music, with or without a choir.

A viewing area for Sikh and Hindu ceremonies, where mourners are required to watch coffins being placed in the cremator, has also been included.

Councillor Rowley said: "People will be overwhelmed. It's going to be a lot better for families and people can play whatever music, or put whatever background footage on they want."

People will leave the main room via a covered walkway.

With two new cremators, the new site matches new legislation with advanced technology to filter mercury, typically found in fillings in the teeth, before it goes into the atmosphere.

The floor space, equipped with cushioned seats, seats 125 people while a balcony area seats a further 25.