Repairs begin at Thorncliffe Crematorium in Barrow following fire
Work has started on repairs to Thorncliffe Crematorium in Barrow after a recent fire caused significant damage to the building.
The fire, which happened in March, damaged parts of the crematorium including the roof and building structure.
The repairs required are described as extensive, and work is now underway to restore the site.
As part of the project, it has also been agreed that the opportunity will be used to invest in upgrading and improving Thorncliffe’s cremators and associated systems.
The council says the work will help secure the building for the future and ensure the crematorium has more up-to-date and resilient facilities.
Since the fire, investigations have been carried out at the site to understand the full extent of the damage. Structural and electrical surveys have also taken place, alongside recovery work and a clean-up of the site.
The council says this work has been progressed as quickly and safely as possible.
Funeral directors have continued to receive updates to help support affected families and assist them in making arrangements during the period of disruption.
Chapel-based services were able to resume at Thorncliffe from 15 April, meaning families have been able to continue holding ceremonies at the crematorium as planned.
The repair work and upgrades to the cremators are expected to take several weeks.
It is hoped that cremations will be able to resume at Thorncliffe from late July or early August.