A DEVELOPER is proposing to build a new crematorium - in a bid to ease "congestion" at the county's existing facilities.

Westerleigh, a crematoria developer, is proposing to build a new centre at Fladbury, near Evesham, which would host up to 1,000 funerals a year.

The developers say the new facility will relieve pressure at crematoria in Worcester and Redditch, which it claims are so busy families often have to wait weeks to arrange a funeral.

Philip Tomlins, funeral director at Merstow Green Funeral Home, said: "A new crematorium is needed in this area to ensure that families living in the Vale of Evesham and surrounding areas have access to a dedicated local facility.

"Westerleigh are a very well respected crematorium developer and operator. My colleagues and I at Merstow Green Funeral Home wholeheartedly welcome the proposal for a new crematorium to be built at Fladbury Cross."

A spokesman for Westerleigh said: "Congestion has led to many bereaved families having to wait for funerals, particularly during the winter when the death rate is typically 40per cent higher than the average.

"The lack of capacity at the existing crematoria during this period often causes delays of three weeks in being able to book a time for a funeral.

"Further distress is suffered by families pressurised into limiting the length of funeral services to make way for other funeral parties. Car parks also become congested when funeral parties overlap."

Public exhibitions of the plans will take place this month in Pershore, Evesham and Fladbury - all areas which do not have a crematorium.

Exhibitions will take place between 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday, January 18, at Pershore Town Hall, Thursday, January 19, at Evesham Town Hall, and Friday, January 20, at Fladbury Village Hall.