Residents have expressed their support for a proposal to create a new crematorium to serve Maldon residents, following an exhibition on the plans last week.

Developer Elegy hopes to build the crematorium in a secluded spot on the land opposite St Margaret's Church, off Maldon Road, in Woodham Mortimer so that grieving families no longer have to endure long journeys to attend their loved ones' cremations.

Currently, residents must travel to the congested Chelmsford Crematorium or further afield to Basildon and Colchester, which can entail a drive of 40 minutes or more.

Speaking in support of the plans, resident Penelope McEvoy said: "I like the idea that the new crematorium will be close to St Margaret's Church and hopefully we can work together."

Judy Lea, another supporter, said: "It's long overdue for Maldon and Dengie residents to have a more readily available crematorium - both in terms of access and timing - so I thoroughly support this proposal in principle."

Around 54 residents attended Elegy's public consultation on the plans, which was held on 12 and 13 October at Woodham Mortimer Village Hall.

Results of a survey carried out by Elegy indicate that over nine out of ten residents believe there is a need for a new crematorium to serve the district.

Of the 23 residents who responded to the survey, 86 per cent supported the design of the crematorium, which would seat 100 people and hold a maximum of four funerals per day.

A spokesperson for Elegy said that this would offer "a less rushed funeral experience than families have to endure at the moment".

They added: "A minimum of an hour will be allowed for each service, along with state-of-the-art facilities allowing each family to have a funeral of their choice, free from the pressure of others."

Residents raised concerns, however, about the current speed of traffic and overtaking along Maldon Road.

The spokesperson said: "With the new crematorium would come a new junction and pedestrian crossing with a refuge island, which should calm that section of road and reduce the potential for overtaking."

Judy said that she hopes the plans will be subject to a "considered but swift approval".

She added: "So often, and even within the last week, I come across a grieving family whose distress is needlessly exacerbated by the fact they cannot deal with the body left behind in a timely and respectful manner.

"Then they also have to cope with the logistical nightmare of getting family and friends to a remote cremation, at a long distance from the hospitality of the wake at their homes or at a known local venue."

Richard Evans, director of Elegy, said: 'We were pleased to see local residents welcoming this new development which will relieve the pressure on Chelmsford crematorium and provide a much more tranquil place, closer to home."

He hopes to create crematoriums across the country so that everyone has the chance to hold the funeral of their choice.

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