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Lixwm undertaker Edward Davies reveals plans for first crematorium in Flintshire

FLINTSHIRE’S first crematorium could be on the way after a Lixwm-based undertaker bought a site between Flint and Northop.

Edward Davies, of J E Davies and Son funeral directors, has purchased the 23-acre Starkey Farm site with the intention of eventually turning it into a crematorium.

Mr Davies is in the process of forming a planning application which he hopes to submit to Flintshire County Council in the next couple of months.

Should such a plan be given the thumbs-up, Mr Davies said a crematorium would be built within 12 to 18 months of the plans formally being approved.

Mr Davies said: “In the 33 years I have been an undertaker, the number of cremations has gone from about 25% of my work to 75-80%, so there is much greater demand.

“This site is in the centre of the county and it would be installed with the latest equipment that would more than fit the bill to comply with environmental legislation.

“Most of the public are in support of it and a crematorium would bring more jobs to the area. I currently have 15 staff and they are all from Flintshire.”

Residents have been giving a mostly positive reaction to the proposals so far via our Facebook page.

Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami, who last year led calls for a crematorium to be built in the county, has backed the news.

He said: “I welcome the idea of a crematorium for Flintshire. The difference in price when people are cremated outside Flintshire to what it would be inside the county is significant.”

Northop Hall councillor Tony Sharps added: “I think it will be splendid news for the area as it is badly needed.

“The site has been very well chosen geographically as it will serve five or six towns and 21 villages.

“Provided the highways are happy – I understand there would be a new entrance on Northop Road, not Starkey Lane – I can’t see why it would not be accepted.”

The base rate to cremate a Flintshire resident who is over 18 years old at Chester Crematorium is £584 – £164 more than a resident of Cheshire West and Chester constituency would pay, because of out-of-county fees.

What do you think? Let us know by emailing chroniclenews@cheshirenews.co.uk or visit our Facebook page to join the debate.

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