FUNERAL directors are warning some bereaved families they will have to wait up to 12 days to have their loved ones cremated.

Major refurbishment work at Overdale Crematorium means that two of the five cremators are out of action.

Local funeral directors have criticised Bolton Council for organising the upgrade at one of the busiest times of the year.

Paul Sillett, of the National Association of Funeral Directors, said: "They haven't planned this very well.

"My first concern is for bereaved relatives and it's unfair they are faced with the added stress of these delays."

And the work at Overdale has put added pressure on Wigan Crematorium where the number of cremations have increased.

The Overdale work is part of a £1 million upgrade to comply with new air pollution laws in 1998 and the daily number of cremations has been cut from 25 to about 18.

Three cremators are already up to new standards and the remaining two should be operating before the end of January.

Bolton Council's head of landscape and amenities, John Shepley, said staff were working hard to maintain a high standard of service and there had been no complaints.

Mr Shepley said: "In some places the whole operation is shut down while the work is done. We have decided to keep the service running while we do it."

Wigan Council are currently reviewing how the new legislation will affect their crematorium.

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