Work to build a new “state-of-the-art” crematorium in Pontllanfraith is now underway.

Sirhowy Valley Crematorium will be based on a four-hectare site on land off Sirhowy Enterprise Way and is expected to serve more than 150,000 people as their nearest facility.

The crematorium will have memorial gardens as well as an area for floral tributes to be placed.

There will also be a media centre providing live webcasts, visual tributes and a music library.

Kevin Davies, regional manager of Westerleigh Group, which is behind the plans, said: “We are delighted to be developing this new crematorium as we believe that it will provide local families with a wider choice of funeral services.

“Currently, the nearest crematoria are all more than ten miles away, and journeys take over 30 minutes in a funeral cortege. We are pleased to be able to offer a facility that will significantly reduce this time, improving the experience for the bereaved and ensuring that their time can be focused on the funeral service itself.

“Furthermore, the crematorium will offer standard service times at hourly intervals, ensuring families are not rushed. Local funeral directors say they are looking forward to the development of a state-of-the-art facility to serve the Sirhowy Valley.”