New crematorium for South Staffordshire is 'simply not needed'

An independent report into whether Essington needs a new crematorium has been called for and a consultation demanded.

It comes after a 650-strong petition was handed into the district council by residents opposed to the scheme for land off Broad Lane.

The issue was discussed at a meeting of South Staffordshire Council's overview and scrutiny committee last night.

Members had been advised to agree to the district council leasing the land out with the view of it becoming a crematorium.

But concerns were raised by members who claimed the crematorium was simply not needed.

Essington Councillor David Clifft said: "This is valuable land within Essington. I would like to propose this committee support me that this council has a full consultation with the residents of Essington. Not everyone in Essington is aware of the withdrawal the piece of land. Also a full independent report is needed."

It was previously revealed that Westerleigh Group was interested in leasing the land from the council. Bosses there said £100,000 could be made from the crematorium each year.

But Councillor Bob Cope raised concerns that a study stating Essington needed a crematorium had only been done by the firm itself. He said: "All the evidence for this seems to be coming from Westerleigh. They are a commercial company. There really is not the need."

South Staffordshire Council leader Brian Edwards will now decide whether or not to go ahead with Councillor Clifft's suggestions.