FUNERALS will have to move from Huddersfield next month when the Crematorium is shut for repairs.

Cremations at Huddersfield Crematorium will be suspended over the summer to enable work to go ahead to reduce toxic emissions.

The Fixby Road crematorium will close from August 20 to September 5 so work to reduce mercury pollution can be carried out.

By law crematoria must be fitted with filters to reduce toxic mercury emissions in 50% of cremations by the end of the year.

But Kirklees Council has pledged to cut mercury emissions for all of its cremations.

Mercury, a pollutant linked to birth defects, kidney disease and multiple sclerosis, is contained in dental fillings.

When a body is cremated the deadly pollutant is released into the atmosphere.

Cremations have accounted for a significant proportion of the UK’s mercury emissions.

Over the summer cremations will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium and other nearby crematoria while the Huddersfield facility is closed.

Huddersfield Crematorium will re-open on Thursday, September 6.

Clr Peter McBride, Kirklees Cabinet member for Streetscene, said: “This is essential work and will ensure that the crematorium meets all environmental requirements.

“Dewsbury Moor Crematorium will be operating as normal through the closure period at Huddersfield and Kirklees Bereavement Service will liaise with all crematoria in neighbouring authorities to ensure any funeral delays are kept to a minimum.”

Kirklees Bereavement Service will contact local funeral directors to inform them of the closure dates and alternative arrangements.

Huddersfield Crematorium office will remain open during the work for enquiries about memorials and to take future bookings.

The office can be contacted on 01484 223683.