Families have been reassured about funerals and cremations at a facility in North Yorkshire after the company behind it was wound down.

A North Yorkshire Council executive meeting last week heard it was considered more financially viable to transfer the assets and control of Maple Park, based at Skipton Bridge, near Thirsk, to the council.

The crematorium was established previously under Maple Park (Hambleton) LLP and Hambleton District Holdings Limited by Hambleton District Council.

However, under the new unitary authority system, North Yorkshire Council has decided to take back control of Maple Park and wind down Maple Park (Hambleton) LLP and Hambleton District Holdings Limited.

North Yorkshire Council already runs four crematoria, with staff employed directly by the council.

Councillors voted unanimously to approve the transfer to the council of the services currently operated through Maple Park (Hambleton) LLP and Hambleton District Holdings Limited, and for the winding up of Maple Park (Hambleton) LLP and Hambleton District Holdings Limited.

The council said the decision could save £100,000 per year, due to the company not being able to recoup any VAT previously.

In the meeting on Tuesday, September 17, councillors and council staff wanted to reassure families and members of the public that the change is purely administrative and there would be no changes to the way Maple Park operates.

Barry Khan, the assistant chief executive of legal and democratic services, said during the meeting: “I want to reassure members of the public that there will be no impact on the services.

“It’s purely a winding up of the company behind Maple Park and it’s a bureaucratic change, and purely operational.

“It will bring the crematorium in line with the rest of the council services.”