CIVIC bosses are being asked to back a £559,000 investment in BCP Council's bereavement services – which will include an extensive upgrade to the chapel at Poole Crematorium.

Proposals setting out a five-year business plan for the authority's bereavement services will be considered at BCP Council's cabinet later this month.

The report sets out a two-phased approach, with the overall aim of consolidating the service into a single crematorium model based at Bournemouth.

However, initial investment is set to benefit Poole, with £419,000 earmarked for the chapel upgrade at that site, and to finance building modifications at Bournemouth Crematorium.

Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment, said: "We are absolutely committed to offering a high quality, professional bereavement service.

"Our staff are highly qualified and dedicated to ensuing that the needs of the deceased and their families are met.

“We recognise the funeral market is changing with many people looking for more bespoke packages when it comes to saying goodbye to their loved ones."

As well as the initial investment at Poole chapel, the report also allocates £80,000 for nitrous oxide abatement equipment and £60,000 for a single IT system for both crematoria.

BCP Council bereavement services includes the two crematoria – at Poole and Bournemouth – and nine cemeteries.

The service is also responsible for maintaining eight closed parish cemeteries within the BCP boundaries.

Figures accompanying the report showed that BCP Council undertook 4,660 cremations in 2019, making it one of the busiest crematorium operators in the UK.

However, the same report highlighted a 'steady decline in the number of cremations and burials' being handled by the authority.

It also highlighted the privately-operated crematorium at Lytchett Minster, which opened in 2017, as an impact on income.

An additional facility to the east of the conurbation at New Milton has already been granted planning permission.

On the proposals set for cabinet on December 16, Cllr Anderson said: "These proposals will enable the council to improve the service offer further and meet the wishes of the bereaved at their time of need."

“Importantly our plans will enable us to respond to significant market trends and will ensure the council retains its market share within the bereavement market, providing confidence in our commitment to deliver a sustainable bereavement service for our residents in the future.”