STOURBRIDGE Crematorium is set to reopen in a few weeks following a £2million upgrade.

The South Road crematorium has been closed since July for repairs and refurbishments to be carried out.

Although the grounds have remained open to mourners throughout the work, the crematorium is set to re-open in mid-December.

The upgrade work has included replacing two outdated cremators to enable them to accommodate larger coffins.

Councillor Ian Kettle, Dudley Council's cabinet member responsible for crematoriums, said: "I’m pleased that we can re-open Stourbridge crematorium following these important upgrades. The work had to be done this year due to the age of the cremation facilities.

"We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these difficult times. Cremations will continue at Gornal Wood until the site opens, and the work has not affected burials taking place in the cemetery at Stourbridge."

A number of repairs to the roof and facilities have also been made as well upgrades to the toilets, accessibility improvements for people with disabilities, new heating and air conditioning, new music system and TV screens installed and a new canopy fitted.

The facility has also been extended - which will boost the seating capacity in the chapel by a third, enabling it to hold up to 90 mourners when coronavirus regulations are no longer needed.

Current government legislation means attendance at funerals is limited to up to 30 people.