REFURBISHMENTS at one Fylde crematorium have meant a waiting list for services at the only other crematorium in the area.

Park Crematorium on Regent Avenue, Lytham St Annes, is working from 9am to 4pm on weekdays, with services every half hour.

Normally, crematoriums don't begin work until around 10am and stop around 3pm, but refurbishments at Carleton's crematorium have meant many funeral parties being directed to Lytham.

The site is so busy it is opening even on Saturdays to accommodate demand.

Nearby residents have noticed the increase in the number of funeral parties around Ansdell's crematorium, but traffic in the area has not been affected.

Ivor Green of Fylde Borough Council said: "What we are trying to do is hold additional services while Carleton crematorium is closed.

"But the problem is we can only deal with a certain number of services in the time involved.

"We are doing whatever we can to ease the problem and we will remain open for as long as we reasonably can.

"We cannot hold services after dark because of lighting difficulties, but as the nights get lighter we can stay open longer.

"If anyone wishes to come to us while Carleton crematorium is closed, we will provide the service for them.

"We'll try to do what we can to accommodate people who would otherwise have to go to Blackpool."

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