Birches Crematorium in Northwich to hold community open day

Last week (March 8 and 9), Humberside Police removed 35 bodies and a quantity of ashes from Legacy Independent Funeral Directors following reports of 'concerns for care of the deceased'.

As part of the investigation into the incident, described as 'horrific' by the force, a man and woman were arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position. They have since been bailed.

Following this incident, the team at Birches Crematorium has organised an open day event to allow members of the public to be confident in the service they provide.

The drop-in session, which takes place between 11am and 3pm on Tuesday, March 19, will give visitors a chance to see how the award-winning crematorium works behind the scenes.

Police at the scene in Hull (Image: PA)

Pete Sadler-Eastwood, operations manager, said: "It’s important now more than ever for the funerals and bereavement sector to be open and honest.

"By holding this and other events at the crematorium, we hope to allow members of the community to be confident that, should they be in the unfortunate position of requiring our services, their loved ones will be treated with the utmost respect and their wishes followed."

Attendees to the event will be able to ask any questions they may have about how loved ones are cared for at the crematorium and see first hand Birches' 'high standards of identification, care, and customer service'.

Birches Crematorium (Image: Birches Crematorium)

No appointment is required and there will be refreshments available for those visiting.

Birches received the 2022 Association of Green Funeral Directors Crematorium of the Year award.

For more information about the event please contact the crematorium office on 01565 748 211 or visit the website www.birchescrematorium.co.uk.