Plans for a new St Asaph crematorium

Jan 29 2009 by David Simister, North Wales Weekly News

ST ASAPH residents could soon see their own crematorium installed if plans submitted earlier this month are approved.

Mercia Crematoria Developments, which already owns five sites across England, hopes to construct a new facility serving Denbighshire and Flintshire on Holywell Road.

“It’s been a few years since we first mooted the idea with Denbighshire and at that time it was identified there is a definite need for a crematorium nearer to the area,” said planning manager Andy Marshall.

“The site we have chosen is one of 20 in Denbighshire and Flintshire we considered and we believe it has close proximity not only with the A55 but with the coastal towns and Denbigh and Ruthin. It’s early days but we are hoping the plans find favour and residents will understand how important a development like this is.”

Mercia says it will help fill a gap in crematorium services in the region, which are currently fulfilled from sites in Mochdre, Chester and Wrexham.

But residents have been divided by the plans, saying the building could leave an impact on the surrounding scenery.

“I’m aware that the county needs a new crematorium but I hope the plans are as sensitive as possible,” said Mark Wilson, a St Asaph resident.