Cremations suspended due to structural problems

The crematorium at Lawnswood Cemetery in Leeds was first opened in 1905

Cremations have been suspended at a city funeral facility after structural problems were found in the building.

The issues at Lawnswood Crematorium on Otley Road in Adel were discovered following a "routine structural survey", according to Leeds City Council.

Deceased loved ones would be taken to crematoria in Rawdon or Cottingley following funeral ceremonies, with ashes later returned to Lawnswood for collection, a spokesperson said.

The council apologised and said it was not known when cremations could resume at the site.

Funeral directors had been advised of the temporary arrangements, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

'Sincerely apologise'

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: "After a routine structural survey of the building, we have unfortunately had to suspend all cremations at Lawnswood Crematorium to further look into some potential issues found.

"We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this causes at an already difficult time for families and loved ones."

The spokesperson added: "We have contacted funeral directors to advise them on our interim arrangements so that they can liaise with the families affected.

"Ceremonies will continue as normal as these parts of the building are not impacted."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.