FUNERAL directors have given their backing to a proposed new crematorium to serve the Maldon district and surrounding areas.

Plans to build a new crematorium off the A414/Maldon Road near Woodham Mortimer have been given a boost after funeral directors expressed their support for the proposals.

The proposed Maldon Fields crematorium would provide a cremation service and garden of remembrance, enabling families living in and around the district to avoid longer journeys to Chelmsford, Basildon or Colchester.

Funeral director Paul King wrote: “The majority of families that we look after use Chelmsford Crematorium which is often very busy and unable to cope with today’s demand.

"The situation is particularly acute during winter when the number of deaths peak and local families have no choice but to wait for an available time as there are no alternative accessible crematorium.

"A new facility will finally allow families to have the service they crave without delay and within a dignified, peaceful setting.”

He estimated the journey time for a funeral cortege from Maldon to the Chelmsford crematorium takes about 45 minutes, with the journey to Basildon and Colchester taking longer at 55 minutes.

His views were echoed by Saul Hunnaball, director of the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group: "Chelmsford crematorium suffers from being quite busy, holding many more funerals than its original design.

"A new, more accessible crematorium would greatly improve this situation, allowing a more dignified service to take place without the sense of being the next one in line."

T Pennack and Sons also gave its backing.

Philip Pennack, of T Pennack and Sons, said: "An additional crematorium to serve the east of Chelmsford and the whole of the Maldon district would be of great worth to grieving families as it should potentially reduce waiting time and the distances driven."