The Falkirk Crematorium will reopen for services this week following a five month closure to allow for major refurbishment works.

The chapel will re-open again for services on Monday 24th July.

Phase one of the £3.2 million upgrade was completed at the end of June with the finishing touches now being put in place.

The chapel has been extended to cater for larger services and other improvements carried out during the first phase works include:

• Improved access to the building and landscape enhancement
• A new entrance vestibule at the public entrance
• Additional seating capacity in the extended chapel
• Privacy screening to the loggia to allow a more private setting
• New family room
• New audio visual system
• Additional public toilets
• New roofing, windows and gutters
• New flooring, heating, wiring, plumbing and decoration throughout
• Additional car parking

Councillor Paul Garner, spokesperson for Environment said: "This is the first major refurbishment of the Crematorium since it opened in the 1960s. The original character and feel of the building has been retained but now offers a more modern setting and improved surroundings for grieving families and friends."

The second phase of works is already underway with the phased replacement of the cremators. This work is scheduled to take place mainly at the weekends and occasional Fridays but services will take place during the week. The second phase is expected to be complete in September.

Councillor Garner added: “There will be much less disruption during the second phase works with services taking place during the week but work to replace the cremators will take place at weekends. We have worked closely with Funeral Directors and celebrants throughout and will continue to do so for the duration of refurbishment works.”

The Book of Remembrance was moved to an alternative location during the first phase works but has returned to the Chapel of Remembrance.