03 August 2017
A new roof is to be installed at Jersey’s Crematorium this month, replacing the original roof which has reached the end of its life after 56 years’ service.
The project will start on Monday 14 August and no services will be possible for the following two weeks. Cremations will still take place during this period, and the garden of remembrance will remain accessible. The Crematorium, situated at Westmount in St Helier, is expected to resume normal service on Tuesday 29 August, after the Bank Holiday Weekend.
Crematorium Superintendent Peter Dobin said “The roof dates from the opening of the building in 1961 and has been showing its age recently. There have been repairs over the years, but with loose tiles and leaks becoming more frequent, it’s reached the stage where a complete replacement is the only realistic option.”
Alternative arrangements
Mr Dobin said that funeral directors and clergy were aware of the planned closure so that they could help mourners in making alternative arrangements if necessary during the two-week period.
“There won’t be any need to delay cremations during this period, but funeral services will need to be scheduled in alternative locations, whether this means a church or the various secular options that are available,” he added. “The Island’s funeral directors will be able to advise relatives of the choices that exist.
“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience that is caused, and I sincerely hope that grieving families will understand the need for this important project to be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible – this will ensure that the Crematorium can resume its normal duties for many years to come.”
August was chosen as the least disruptive time for work to be carried out, as it is usually one of the quieter months of the year for the Crematorium, and also because adverse winter weather would have been more likely to hamper such a project.
The work will be carried out by an approved contractor appointed by Jersey Property Holdings following a competitive tendering process.
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