Southend Crematorium wins expert praise

The visitors were from the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities, a country-wide organisation which offers a comprehensive Technical Advisory Service.  

Federation president, Gordon Hull, was joined by two other leading officials, and their inspection report gave Southend Crematorium a rave review.  

They wrote: "The crematorium appears to be extremely well run, and the visitors were impressed with the general standard of maintenance throughout"  

The visitors described the public areas of the crematorium as "excellent," and added: "There is clearly a satisfactory and professional level of service being delivered to the bereaved using the crematorium facility at Southend-on-Sea.  

"All employees at the crematorium demonstrated that there is a willingness to respond to the needs of the bereaved, and they should be applauded for the commitment that they displayed during our visit."  

The Federation officials also made some minor recommendations, which have already been addressed - such as instituting an official log book at the crematorium.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Corporate Support Services, Councillor Andrew Moring said: "We are very proud of the way our crematorium team continually offers a sensitive and professional service to families and friends who have lost loved ones.  It is very pleasing indeed to have these high standards recognised by leading national officials. 

"We welcome their very positive comments. However, we also want to continue improving on our already high levels of service, so we have taken their recommendations on board and have started acting on these."