PEOPLE are being given the chance to have their say over plans for a new crematorium on land between Northallerton and Thirsk.

The site at Busby Stoop would cater for more than 650 cremations a year which are currently held at the nearest alternative sites at Darlington, Teesside and York.

The plan is being backed by Hambleton District Council, which put up £250,000 for site assessment and design alongside Cemetery Development Services, which is project managing the scheme. A drop in session is being held at Sandhutton and Breckenbrough village hall on February 26 between 1pm and 6pm where plans and information boards will be on display.

Council leader Mark Robson said the consultation is a pre-planning event to familiarise people so the authority can get an insight to help shape the development.

“When completed, the new crematorium will offer state of the art facilities combined with more traditional aspects. With fewer than 60 new crematoria built in the UK over the past 35 years, this will be an important local asset for the district, something not already here, and something really quite special,” he added.

The consultation will be online at www.hambleton.gov.uk/crematorium and there will be displays in the Civic Centre at Stonecross, Northallerton after the event.