Report by

MHARI KELLY

PLANS to build a crematorium in Bostock are to be unveiled in the next few weeks.

It is expected that a planning application for a crematorium will be submitted to Vale Royal Borough Council by a private company.

The idea has been welcomed by Clr Pam Booher, chairman of the council's environmental and technical committee.

She has already been concerned about the closure of several crowded churchyards in Northwich and Winsford.

Clr Booher said: "Some churchyards have been forced to close and a crematorium is desperately needed. It would serve the whole of Vale Royal.

"There are private companies interested and they are looking at sites, including Bostock. But things are just in the pipeline at the moment.

"We are aware that people in Barnton, Sandiway and Winsford have been calling for a crematorium for some time."

Identifying the benefits of a crematorium at Bostock, Clr Booher said: "I think it would be a good thing. It would save people having to travel to Crewe and Altrincham for their loved ones.

"St John's churchyard is now full in Winsford and the same is happening in Northwich. What can we do?

"People have to go out of the area and we don't want that. There is a definite need for a crematorium here," she added.

A spokesman for the council said: "The council feels that the residents of Vale Royal would be better served if there was a crematorium within a better distance.

"At the moment, cremations have to take place in either Warrington or Crewe.

"The council, unfortunately, can't provide a crematorium itself because it would probably cost more than £1 million.

"However, we understand that a private company may submit a planning application for the development of a crematorium in the Davenham/Bostock area.

"If a planning application is submitted it will be considered by the council on its individual merits."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.