A FORMER pub has been brought back into use – as a funeral home.
Family firm TW Birks & Son have moved into the newly refurbished former Rose and Crown pub in Netherton.
They have been welcomed by surrounding businesses and locals who were pleased to see the building back in use following its closure 18 months ago.
The Meltham Road premises has now been divided into three units, with the funeral home occupying the first of the vacant spaces.
The home, which features a chapel of rest and private arranging room, was officially opened at the weekend.
The Mayor of Kirklees, Clr David Ridgway, helped unveil the front plaque.
He was joined by Simon Fisher, the Vice-President of the National Association of Funeral Directors.
Local ministers John Hicks, from Netherton Methodist Church, and Stephen Gott, of Newsome and South Crosland Anglican Churches, blessed the chapel of rest.
As a thank-you all were given donations, including a donation to the Mayor’s charity the Yorkshire Regiment Benevolent Trust.
Founded in 1929, the business is the longest established funeral directors in Huddersfield and is still owned and run by the same family.
Founder Thomas Wilfred Birks passed the business onto his son Geoffrey, who together with his wife Joy developed the original joiners and undertakers shop.
The couple were then succeeded by their children Neil, Alastair, Ian and Fiona who jointly run the firm today.
The Netherton branch adds to their existing funeral home at Woodhead Road in Holmfirth.
The family were able to expand after staff member Ian Waterhouse gained his Diploma of Funeral Directing last year.
Funeral director Fiona Newton said that they had received a warm welcome to the village.
She said: “The pub had a lovely feeling as soon as we walked inside, it felt welcoming which was what we wanted.
“It had been divided up really well and had a lovely aspect at the front – we were really surprised how big it was when we came in.
“The building was empty for 18 months and the local businesses have been really supportive and said how pleased they are that it is being used.
“It’s nice that we can now become part of the village community.”
