Important temporary changes as restoration of crematorium chapels continues

The project – which is being funded by Hartlepool Borough Council – is tackling the increasing problem of damp in the two 100-year-old chapels caused by water leaking through the eaves and brickwork, as part of the major regeneration which will significantly improve the appearance of the chapels.

Work commenced in September to make the exterior of the building watertight, including repairing the capping stones, repointing the brickwork and replacing the roof.

Phase two of the restoration will see the two chapels each, in turn, replastered and repainted, the wooden floors revarnished and the carpeting replaced to provide a more comforting experience for mourners.

The work will start first on the Crematorium Chapel on Monday 18th December and take about three months to complete, following which work will start on the Cemetery Chapel for a similar duration.

This means that from Monday only one chapel – the Cemetery Chapel – will be in use, with a maximum capacity of 100 mourners.

It is expected that this will mean that the chapel is busier than usual and therefore mourners are requested to please arrive no more than five minutes prior to a service commencing in order to allow services to be managed as sensitively as possible.

Webcasting and recording of funeral services will be available, to enable family members and friends to watch a service live, or at a later date, should they be unable to attend the service for any reason.

Stranton Grange Crematorium and Chapels

Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “Damp has become an increasing problem in the chapels, making this major restoration absolutely essential.

“It will make the chapels watertight and improve their internal appearance, following our £250,000 upgrade of the cremators last year.

“Since starting in September the work has been progressing well and has been arranged to avoid any disturbance during the services.

“This was fundamental to the planning of this project as we know that the residents of Hartlepool would not have wanted the full building to be closed for a lengthy period while we undertook the work.

“We would like to thank people once again for their understanding while it is being carried out.”

Access to the Book of Remembrance continues to be maintained throughout the work, but anyone wishing to view it is asked to please make an appointment in advance by calling the Cemetery Office on 01429 284030.