Major work on the Douglas crematorium and chapel is due to get under way today.

The project is expected to take 12 months to complete and, says the local authority, will provide improved facilities for mourners, celebrants, funeral directors and staff.

Douglas councillor Stephen Pitts said: 'As operator of the Island’s only crematorium the Council recognises this work may cause some disruption so has been mindful that the project is handled sensitively. In this we have worked with the Island’s funeral directors and our crematorium staff to ensure dignity and respect are maintained at all times.'

Work will include the provision of separate accesses for arriving and departing mourners, better disabled access and a new waiting area and toilets. Cremations will continue throughout the project but the chapel was closed at the end of last week.

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