LONDON'S first new crematorium for more than 40 years was opened by Redbridge Mayor Arthur Leggatt opposite Hainault Country Park.

The Forest Park cemetery and crematorium in Forest Road is on an 18-acre site and is intended to provide the borough with enough burial space for the next 60 years.

It is the result of a deal between Redbridge Council and burials company Cemetery and Crematorium Ltd, which will see the company take on management of the council's four existing cemeteries.

Council deputy leader Morris Hickey said: "This new facility extends the choice of funeral arrangements available in the borough. The high-quality, sensitively-designed building is a clear demonstration of the strong commitment our partners have towards the local environment.

"We're confident that, at a time of personal sadness, friends and relatives will be helped in their bereavement."

Representatives from the Church of England, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Roman Catholic, and humanist faiths attended the dedication service in the cemetery's 100-seat ceremony room.

The cemetery will cater for funerals of people from across London, but it is expected that two thirds will be from Redbridge. Built on a green belt site, the facility will be landscaped with 60 trees and 11,000 flowers and shrubs.

Forest Park managing director Richard Evans said: "A new, modern crematorium is very much needed as an accessible alternative to the busy crematoria at South Essex and City of London. The building and grounds will be beautifully landscaped to ensure they are in keeping with the surrounding woods and country park.

"We will also ensure improvements are made to all the cemeteries in the borough and the local community receives the best level of service possible," he added.