A REVOLUTIONARY new technique could alter funerals in Crewe and Nantwich.

With strict new Government guidelines demanding cuts in pollution from crematoria, the borough council is looking at options to bring its own service into line.

One possibility being considered is a new procedure known as 'promession', being developed in Sweden. It uses a deep-freeze technique rather than incineration.

Like cremation, the process leaves behind only a fine dust, but has the advantage of giving off no harmful gases. Developers also claim that the byproduct, rich in nutrients, is perfect for planting commemorative trees in and would in turn create quiet, peaceful places for mourners to visit.

Councillor Penny Butterill, council portfolio holder for the environment, said: 'This all comes down from the Government and we have an obligation to meet the guidelines.

'The promession technique is at a very early stage but it is an option and we have to look at every available way forward.'

The chief pollution concern stemming from crematoria is the release of mercury, found in tooth fillings, into the atmosphere as a gas.

The Government estimates that by 2020, crematoria will be the single biggest contributors to mercury pollution in the UK, although levels are not expected to be high enough to cause immediate health concerns.

Cremation equipment which stops gases getting into the atmosphere is available, but Crewe Crematorium is not large enough to accommodate the bulky machines.

Crematorium manager Mary Slinn said: 'We have just enough space for one of the new machines, but that would leave us without a back-up in case of break-down and that is not viable.

'But one of the things we are considering is the construction of a chapel and bereavement centre with more space, as the equipment we have is due to be replaced in two to three years anyway.

'In the meantime we are looking to sign up to a national burden-sharing scheme with every crematorium in the country, which will see the costs of those that do install new equipment shared with those that do not. This would give us time to look at all our own options properly.'

The cost of installing a new cremator, estimated at about £500,000, will be passed on to the customer in the form of a national standard £25 surcharge.