A PET crematorium will open at Cannon Hall next month.

The £150,000 development at the side of Cannon Hall’s walled gardens, will provide individual cremations for pets in a secluded area of the park, which is hidden away from public view.

Pet cremations are usually arranged by local vet practices and carried out by private firms. Costs vary but can be up to more than £100 for a large dog.

The service is being delivered by Barnsley Council which owns and operates Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens. It is believed to be the first council to launch this kind of service.

Pets will be carefully cremated on their own, and their ashes prepared personally by staff in accordance with their owners’ wishes. People can choose to scatter their pet’s ashes or place a small memorial plaque in a special woodland area of the park.

A farewell room has also been built where owners can go to discuss their requirements or say their last goodbye.

The plans to turn an old potting shed at Cannon Hall into a pet crematorium were given the green light last year.

Several concerns were raised, but the plans were approved following a site visit. The crematorium will generate income to pay for council services.

Coun Roy Miller said: “Cannon Hall is a special place for dog lovers and their families, with thousands of people visiting the beautiful park and gardens each year. At Barnsley Council we have many years’ experience in delivering bereavement services and we understand how distressing the loss of a pet can be. The crematorium will ensure a high-quality service to meet the wishes of pet owners in Barnsley and the surrounding areas within the picturesque grounds of Cannon Hall.”

The pet crematorium service will be available through the council from November 1, and will be officially opened by Coun Miller at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday November 8.