COUNCILLORS considering the future of Weymouth Crematorium will discuss whether it meets new standards.

They will debate involving a private operator in the running of the crematorium and cemeteries when Weymouth and Portland management committee meets on October 7.

Many crematoria must make major new investments to install equipment to deal with mercury emissions before 2012 or pay a large financial penalty.

A report to the meeting sets out the options for managing the services in the future and what the financial implications are.

Recommendations include the installation of new equipment and the appointment of Dignity Funeral Services Ltd as the council's preferred partner subject to pre-contract consultations.

Finance and assets spokesman Coun Peter Chapman said: "The meeting will be looking at the general future of Weymouth Crematorium.

"We are definitely not looking at closing the crematorium down, but we specifically want to improve the level of service that it offers.

"This will not just include discussions about equipment but also about the state of the gardens and the whole appearance of the site.

"If you are distressed and bereaved you don't really want to say your last goodbyes to a loved one in shabby surroundings."

He added that councillors had asked if there was an alternative way to manage the crematorium and cemeteries and the report looks at the options.

He said: "Tenders have been received from the private sector and these have been analysed and compared to in-house financial projections to establish which option provides the best standard of service to the public as well as the return in terms of financial contribution and minimal exposure to risk.

"Councillors will now consider this analysis and decide which is the preferred way forward both financially and environmentally to provide a fit for purpose service for the next 20 years."

Mr Chapman added that he believed discussion on equipment would involve that used to remove mercury from the atmosphere.

He said that once the council had made a decision then there would be consultation with both unions and residents before any contracts were awarded.