THE only crematorium in Argyll and Bute is to close for five weeks from this weekend.

The Cardross facility will be shut from Saturday, February 23 for work to improve access for disabled users and to install a disabled toilet.

Cremations can still be carried out during the week, but no funeral services can be held during the closure because the chapel will not be available for use.

Councillor Ellen Morton, chair of the Helensburgh and Lomond area committee, admitted the closure would cause disruption but said it was important that the work was carried out.

She said: “There is no disabled accessible toilet in the crematorium, so there is one being put in. There is also an entrance being adapted for disabled access.

“The resting place for the coffin is also being lowered. At the moment, you or the pall bearers have to lift it.

“It will now be possible, if people choose, to slide it on. It will be more easily accessible and will not require the full element of lifting.

“Cremations can still be carried out on Monday to Friday, but not at weekends. The biggest disadvantage is that families will not be able to access the building.

“All undertakers, religious ministers and humanist celebrants have been advised. There will also be a book of remembrance, so if families have to carry out a cremation during the closure period, the book can be signed.

“If you wanted to have a remembrance service a month or two months on, we are looking to see if that would be possible.

“It will be a disruption, there is no doubt about that, and a problem in the event of a bereavement, but it is important for the crematorium to be compliant.”

A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: “Although the chapel at the crematorium will not be available for public services during this period, the cremation facility will still be available for use.

“This is to allow families the option, should they wish, of having their loved one cremated at the site after holding a funeral service elsewhere.

“It is important to note that members of the public will not have access to the chapel or any part of the crematorium for any cremations carried out during the refurbishment.

“We apologise for any inconvenience that these vital works may cause, as we work to provide the best possible service for the community at Cardross Crematorium for years to come.

“Should you have any questions about the service that will be available during this time, please call the crematorium office on 01389 841313.”