Councils get keys to Rainsbrook Crematorium

The construction phase of the project, which began last May, is now complete and the councils are currently preparing the facility ready to open for the first cremation services in April.

The keys were handed over to the Rugby and Daventry Joint Committee, which will run the crematorium on behalf of Rugby Borough Council and Daventry District Council, who split the construction costs between them.

Cllr Dr Mark Williams, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for sustainable environment, said: "The end of the construction phase of this project is an important moment for the people of Rugby, who have previously had to travel some distance to attend funerals for family and friends.

"The Rainsbrook Crematorium is an outstanding facility in a peaceful setting, with good views across the Diamond Wood to the far side of the valley. While nobody enjoys visiting a crematorium, I'm sure that our residents will find it a welcoming place for commemoration and contemplation."

Cllr Alan Hills, Community, Culture and Leisure Portfolio Holder at Daventry District Council, said: “The completion of this crematorium is great news for residents of Daventry District, who currently have to travel as far as Northampton and Banbury for similar facilities.

“As well as being near at hand it provides a very peaceful and tranquil setting in a modern, state-of-the-art crematorium which will benefit the residents of both Daventry and Rugby.”

The Rainsbrook Cemetery and Crematorium was built on the back of a business case put together by scrutiny committee members at Rugby Borough Council, who heard evidence from residents, faith groups and funeral directors. They also visited crematoria elsewhere, before recommending the new facility be built on the Rainsbrook Valley. The site will be administered by Rugby Borough Council on behalf of the Joint Committee.

The Rainsbrook Crematorium will open for cremation services in April. Funeral directors and faith ministers will be invited to view the facilities before opening, and there will be a public open day in the summer of 2014.

Further information on the crematorium is available at http://www.rainsbrookcrematorium.co.uk.