FUNERALS are finally being live-streamed from Greenock Crematorium despite previous fears the service would not be ready until after the pandemic.

Council chiefs had been slammed by residents and elected members for not moving faster to get a system in place.

A petition was signed by almost 3,000 people claiming Inverclyde was the only area in Scotland not to offer live streaming of funerals.

SNP group leader Elizabeth Robertson claimed the lack of progress from officials had led to 'reputational damage' for the council.

Bosses had previously speculated that the installation of equipment may have to wait until major improvement works planned for the crematorium had started.

But technology is now set up at the South Street site, so that those not able to physically attend a funeral will be able to watch the service online from their own home.

Councillor Natasha Murphy welcomed the news during the latest full council meeting.

She said: “It’s really good to see the streaming of funerals get under way.

“This should mean people who cannot get there in-person either because they are in a different level and can’t travel outwards or because they can’t get in with the numbers allowed will still be able to see a service.

“I think it’s a really great thing to have.”

The council’s intention is to keep the streaming service in place even after the pandemic has passed.

The introduction of streaming forms part of a significant investment package in the crematorium, which includes replacing the cremator.

A maximum of 100 people are allowed to attend funeral services in Inverclyde, providing venues can maintain 2m social distancing.

Receptions and post-funeral gatherings, such as wakes, can also take place with a maximum capacity of 100 and alcohol can be served.