Perth and Kinross Council’s decision to close Perth Crematorium for a period next summer has been branded ”absolutely ridiculous” by a local funeral director.
James Carcary, who runs his business on Canal Street, Perth, said he was ”disgusted” by the council’s attitude.
It will close the crematorium for a short period in the summer of 2013 for ”essential” electrical repairs. It says complete closure is needed because ”of the significant” nature of the works.
However, Mr Carcary said the temporary closure means Perthshire families will have to use alternative crematoriums in Dundee and Friockheim.
”We were only told about this closure three to four weeks ago it’s absolutely ridiculous,” he said. ”I was at the meeting with the council about this and there is no provision at all when the Perth Crematorium closes next summer. The council has just gone its own way.”
He added: ”I’m disgusted with the council’s attitude over this and the way it’s been done. The council makes so much money from Perth Crematorium that I’m sure there were other ways rather than closing it down for this refurbishment.
”They could have closed it for four days a week instead of completely closing it down for a few weeks next summer.”
Andrew Pennycook, of James McEwan and Co funeral directors, Perth, said: ”It seems incredible that Perth could be left without crematorium services for several weeks next year.
”The implications are obvious and I fear it will add to the distress of families mourning a loved one.”
A council spokesman said: ”These works are essential due to the age of the electrical system in the building. The scale of the works mean that shutting the crematorium for short periods over a much longer duration would not be possible and potentially much more disruptive to service users.
”The only other alternative would be to do nothing, but this would leave the crematorium vulnerable to future emergency closures should the current electrical system fail. While the building is closed, the council will also take the opportunity to replace the current heating system.”
He added: ”The council discussed these proposals with local funeral directors in March. The funeral directors who attended accepted that the works are essential to avoid much greater disruption in future, and that a single short closure was probably the best way to deal with the issue.
”The funeral directors accepted that there will be some disruption while the works are carried out and were keen to work with us to help minimise the impact on the public.”
The spokesman added: ”As the proposals develop we hope to be able to ensure people will still be able to hold funeral services at suitable venues in Perth and Kinross during the closure.
”Arrangements to use the nearest alternative crematoria are also being looked at and full information will be provided well in advance of the closure dates, once these have been confirmed.”