COUNCILLORS will next week decide whether to give their backing to a scheme to improve an Elland crematorium.

Calderdale Council hopes the £1.4m investment will make the Park Wood Crematorium site a modern facility.

One innovative scheme included is a service to allow people unable to get to the funerals to view them over the internet.

Webcams will relay the service for computers.

Among the many other proposed improvements will be a larger area for floral displays, new energy efficient cremators and an extended waiting room.

Work will also be carried out to update the chapel, roof, windows, doors and floor and a dedicated space for funeral directors and celebrants will be created.

A council spokesman said the newly-renovated crematorium would provide a top-quality service in a sensitive and caring setting, providing maximum choice and using the very best practices.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet will discuss the proposals at a meeting on Monday.

Park Wood Crematorium opened in 1956 and was expected to carry out 800 cremations a year. On average, 1,600 cremations are now carried out each year. The proposed schedule of works will benefit visitors by offering better facilities more appropriate to the needs of this century.

The cost of the works is expected to be around £1.4m.

The proposals follow news from Kirklees Council that multi-million improvements will be carried out on its bereavement services.

They include a new crematorium in Dewsbury, improvements to the crematorium at Fixby and a new municipal cemetery at Fenay Bridge.