£2.2m is to be invested in Perth Crematorium if councillors approve plans to refurbish and improve facilities during a meeting next week.

Members of The Environment Committee will be asked on 25 March to approve plans for the work, expected to go ahead during summer 2017.

Perth and Kinross Council said the work would be planned to ensure cremations can continue to be held at the Crematorium, although the chapel itself will not be available for a period.

The project, if approved, would be the first major upgrade to the Crematorium building since it opened in 1962. Proposed improvements include making it easier for funeral attendees to enter and leave the building for services, while a specially designated meeting space will allow visitors to have confidential discussions with staff.

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Works also include upgrading the electrics and central heating system within the building, and installing new mercury abatement technology to the cremators to bring the crematorium in line with new regulations.

Councillor Alan Grant, Convener of the Environment Committee, said: "I am pleased to see the proposals for the planned works. As the only Crematorium in Perth and Kinross, it is important to ensure that the proposed refurbishment can be carried out in a way which allows cremations to continue during the upgrade of the building. Crematorium staff have already begun to engage with local funeral directors to ensure that they are aware of the proposals and to discuss alternative options for holding services in Perth. By working together with funeral directors the refurbishments can take place with the minimum of disruption and inconvenience.

"This major investment work will help to secure Perth Crematorium for the people of Perth and Kinross into the future. It's a clear statement of the Council's commitment to ensuring that the Crematorium provides a comforting environment during what is a difficult time."

(IT/MH)