IMPROVEMENTS have been carried out at Weymouth Crematorium.

The work is the first part of a £50k refurbishment project, which will see further work carried out this year year and next.

Councillor Kate Wheller, spokesman for Community Facilities at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “These improvements mean we are able to provide an even better service to people at a difficult time.

“I would like to thank staff for their hard work, we have a great team working in our bereavement service. They provide our community with an excellent service and we now have an even better facility.”

The improvements carried out included a new damp proof membrane for the floor, full decoration of the chapel and vestibule, refurbishment of the pews, seats and lecterns, new carpet and flooring in the chapel, enhanced lighting in the chapel and vestibule and new flooring in the crematorium public toilets.

Sam Wilding, Funeral Director Manager at Rose Funeral Service, said: “The chapel décor is now more uplifting than before. The lighter colour pews definitely make a difference to the overall environment. The comments I have heard from families using the crematorium since the renovation have all been positive.”

David Grassby, Funeral Director at Grassby Funeral Service, told the council: "On behalf of our company may I congratulate you and your team for uplifting the décor, furniture and flooring at the crematorium chapel."

The second stage of improvements, which will take place in 2018/19, will include new curtains for the catafalque, a new family room, decoration of the waiting room and the office area.