Shrewsbury’s crematorium and cemetery will be sold off as part of massive cost-cutting measures after councillors agreed to put the service out for tender.
At a meeting of Shropshire Council’s cabinet yesterday, Wednesday, a recommendation by officers that the delivery of bereavement services across the county be subject to a competitive tender was given the go ahead.
Shropshire Council revealed earlier this year that it was considering selling off the Emstrey Road site and the cemetery on Roman Road as part of ways to save £65 million over the next three years. Council bosses stated that a bill of up to £1.5 million would soon be due to replace crematorium equipment to cut mercury emissions caused by dental fillings, on top of an expected bill of about £600,000 for building works.
Earlier this week Shrewsbury Town Council voted unanimously to send an expression of interest to the unitary council stating its interest in taking over the running of the facilities.
Councillor Alan Mosley, a member of Shrewsbury Town Council’s finance and general purposes committee, said: “I am particularly keen for it to remain in public hands because it is one of the services that is critical for people in difficult times.
“It has a very good reputation and it’s important that it stays in community ownership. There’s an opportunity for the town council to obtain the necessary capital to purchase the crematorium and upgrade the facility and its equipment.
“Obviously there is a potential for grant funding and also significant revenue coming in from the crematorium that would help to finance any loans that are necessary.”
A spokesman for Shropshire Council said the cabinet decision has paved the way for any interested party to bid for the delivery of bereavement services.
He said as long as a suitable tender came forward, a contract would be in place by July next year. If no acceptable tender is entered, Shropshire Council will continue with the procurement of replacement cremators as scheduled.
by Anna Williams