Saying goodbye

Bereaved relatives could soon be able to watch funeral services on the Internet.

The new scheme would benefit mourners who are unable toattend funerals; for example, if they are ill or living elsewhere in the country, or abroad. Believed to be the first of its kind in the country, the council isplanning to offer the Internet-based service from Hull's Chanterlands Crematorium.

"The service would only be available to the bereaved - andwould be accessed on the Internet using a special code," said Bereavement Services manager Nikki Hewitt. She added: "Losing a loved one can be a difficult and emotional time, and for people who can't attend a funeral, this would still give them the opportunity to pay their respects". "Other improvements at Chanterlands Crematorium will include refurbished waiting rooms and increased seating capacity formourners in the large chapel. Meanwhile, as part of a national campaign by the Health and Safety Commission, council staff will be assessing every headstone in cemeteries across the city.

"If a headstone is unsafe and work needs to be carried out, a letter will be sent to the last known point of contact for thegrave," said Mrs Hewitt.

"Unfortunately, a lot of these addresses are out of date - andthe only remaining option for my team is to leave a note on the headstone to encourage bereaved relatives to make contact. Ifpeople have changed their contact details, they should ring usthrough the 300300 service," she added.

Elsewhere in the city, plans have been approved to build abrand-new £1.5 million cemetery near Priory Road. The new cemetery will include the city's first burials in awoodland area.

Cllr David Gemmell, responsible for the council's Bereavement Services, said: "We are committed to providing our residentswith a comprehensive, sympathetic and accessible bereavement service.