Plans for Carleton Crematorium to include new amenity for pets

Plans are being considered to invest in a new pet amenity in Carleton Crematorium to cater for people who are grieving for their beloved domestic animals

Blackpool Council, which owns and operates the crematorium, is considering the move as part of an overall £633,000 project which includes a new yard, as the current facilities are deemed not fit for purpose.

The proposals come up for consideration when it goes before the authority’s Executive Committee on Monday January 19.

A report to the committee states: “The current yard facilities and provision are not fit for purpose for either the grounds maintenance team in relation to welfare or supporting delivery of their core function or storage of vehicles and associated equipment or security of the premises.

“The area contains ageing storage containers that are life-expired and not fully watertight, impacting on machinery and associated equipment, with welfare facilities that are obsolete and require replacing with facilities appropriate to supporting and enabling the delivery of quality services in such an important area.“

The pet industry is growing quickly as grieving animal lovers go to greater lengths to celebrate the life of their beloved pet.

“It is estimated that at least half of animal owners hold a funeral for their pet, and with no other pet crematoriums in the local area, the nearest being over a 30-minute drive away, it is envisaged the service and the facility will be very well received and popular. “

“The only other option is to replace the existing welfare cabins and all storage units, with a like for like replacement(s).

However, the annual costs in doing so will be the same if not greater than the potential borrowing costs over the longer term, therefore this is not a viable option in the long term.”

Carleton Cemetery and Crematorium is the largest and busiest cemetery and crematorium in Lancashire, within excess of 400 burial services and 2,000 cremations each year.

The report states that extensive and successful capital works have taken place at the site over the last six years, which includes the extension of the cemetery, to provide enough land for more than 2000 graves, which has created capacity for the next 20 years.

It adds: “The opening of pet crematoriums are proving very successful and well utilised, giving confidence that the opening of such a facility will cover in full all prudential borrowing costs for both projects.”

The total cost of £633,000 would be funded through Prudential Borrowing. The report says the total annual financing costs comprising interest payments and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) are estimated at £42,701, with the Yard works costing £31,133 and  the Pet Cremator £11,568).

Interest costs would begin once borrowing was drawn down and MRP in the year following the asset becoming operational.

The report adds: “All associated revenue costs, including interest and repayment, would be met within the current maintenance allocation ensuring borrowing is sustainable and affordable.”