New Crematorium opens in the Harborough district

The 30-acre Great Glen Crematorium, off London Road, Great Glen, aims to deal with 800 to 1,000 cremations a year.

At that rate, the crematorium’s ‘population’ will overtake that of the neighbouring village within five years.

Richard Evans, managing director of Westerleigh, the company operating the new facility, said: “We are all very pleased to finally be ready for funerals.

“We have taken our time to ensure that there was no compromise on standards and are very proud with the finished appearance.

“It certainly provides the improved level of care and facilities that we always promised to local funeral directors.”

The crematorium’s construction followed a long planning battle.

Many Great Glen residents were against the crematorium plan, fearing it would bring increased traffic through the village.

This week Great Glen Parish Council clerk Lesley Sanderson said: “We haven’t seen increased traffic yet, but it’s early days. We’re convinced we will.”

Construction work on the new crematorium started in February 2016.

The 108-seater chapel is able to cater for all religions and beliefs.

The first funerals took place at the crematorium last week, organised by AJ Adkinson and Son Funeral Directors in Oadby.

Jenny Gilbert of A J Adkinson and Son said: “We are very pleased that the new crematorium is finally open, as it will provide the right level of service for bereaved families in the surrounding area.”

Crematorium manager Helen Bozon said: “The whole setting is really special and everyone has been very impressed so far.”