The new facility, located off Ashlawn Road, will serve the residents of Rugby and nearby Daventry. Cllr Dr Mark Willims, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for sustainable environment, said: “We know from enquiries we’re already receiving that our residents can see the many benefits of having a council-run cemetery and crematorium close by in the area. We’re keen to get this facility up and running for their benefit as soon as possible.”

Cllr Alan Hills, Community, Culture and Leisure portfolio holder at Daventry District Council, said: “It’s great news that work on the new crematorium and cemetery has started, which will provide a much needed resource for residents living in our district who currently have to travel as far as Northampton and Banbury for similar facilities.”

Planning permission for the crematorium and cemetery was granted in September last year. Since then, officers from both Councils have been working with Willmott Dixon and the design team to meet planning conditions, including requirements relating to acheology and detailed design.

Nick Brown, building manager at Willmott Dixon, said: “After months of planning and preparation we are pleased to be starting construction of a facility that will serve the local community as a place of rememberance for people of all faiths and cultures. Over the next ten months, Willmott Dixon will be working hard to ensure the delivery of the building, working with care and attention to minimise any disruption caused to local residents during construction. The result will be a building that fits sensitively into the surrounding landscape.”