BEREAVED family and friends may be given longer to say goodbye to their loved ones after Redditch Crematorium staff raised concerns over the number of funeral services overrunning into the following service time.

Services are currently offered at 30 minute intervals with a double time allowed if requested but tonight, Redditch councillors will be asked whether the allotted time for each service should be increased to 45 minutes.

Between July 15 and September 9 this year, 26 services ran over into the following service time, some in access of 15 minutes.

Redditch Council received complaints from some funeral directors as they felt it was important that families were received promptly at the crematorium and not made to wait while the preceding service was completed.

If approved, it is hoped the additional 15 minutes would improve the smooth running of the service provided and allow for preparation of the chapel.

It would also give funeral directors ample time to enter and exit without impacting on following services.

By amending the service times to 45 minutes, with the first being at 9.30am and the last at 3.30pm, the crematorium would be providing 45 service times each week. Although the number of cremations carried out at the crematorium each year is increasing, the 45-minute service time would still accommodate demand for years to come.

The option would still remain to book a 8.30am or 9am service should a family want one earlier than 9.30am.

A report compiled by the council states that ministers appear to be in favour of the proposal but funeral directors have mixed views.