COUNCIL chiefs are hoping their cemeteries and crematorium service will set the standards for other authorities to follow.

The department is waiting for accreditation to the International Standards Organisation which will officially recognise its quality of service. Only a few other authorities have been awarded the honour.

Clr Mike Hannon, chairman of Community Services, said: "Warrington Borough Council has invested heavily in the Cemeteries and Crematorium Service and we have already begun a review of procedures in this area.

"Becoming accredited to the ISO 9002 is another stage in the development of the cemeteries and crematorium, allowing us to further review the service to ensure procedures are maintained to the highest standard.

"This is particularly important in such a sensitive area."

Walton Lea Crematorium recently held a successful open day to help dispel myths and fears about the service.

Questionnaires and forums have also been used to find out how the department can improve its service to the public.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.