A CREMATORIUM which has served local families for more than 50 years is facing closure due to tough government legislation.

The Department of Environment is considering tough new measures on mercury emissions which could cost Breakspear Crematorium up to £3million to meet.

Hillingdon councillors were expected to admit at a meeting on Tuesday (Jan 8) that the council may not be able to find the cash.

The crematorium in Breakspear Road, Ruislip, disposes of the remains of more than 4,000 people every year. The potentially dangerous mercury comes from the dental fillings of the deceased.

The government has decided to crack down on mercury emissions as they accumulate in the environment contaminating the food chain, in particular fish. Mercury is toxic to the developing brain and certain breeds of fish are now off the menu for expectant mothers because they are particularly vulnerable to contamination.

Breakspear superintendent Cheryl Eva said: "It's up to the council to decide the final word on how to finance the work if the legislation requiring a ban on mercury emissions in the industry comes into effect. There is a possibility the government may require a filtration unit but it is far too bulky for existing chimneys so we will require a new building to accommodate it hence the cost.

"One of the big concerns in the industry is to make the whole process as safe as possible there is no way I would like to think I was responsible for polluting the environment."

The crematorium has been testing chemical emission levels since 1991 but it hasn't been testing for mercury.

Government guidance on mercury emission standards for all UK industries are in the process of being revised. But no final date has been set for the release of regulations for crematoriums.

It is still possible that the department may decide to restrict demands to newly-built crematoriums which would let Breakspear off the hook.

A DoE spokeswoman said: "As the rest of the UK's industries cut down on mercury emissions, the remaining output from crematoriums will stand out as they will take up a significantly larger percentage of overall emission levels."