WEEKEND burials are set to take place in Oxford for the first time.

City council chiefs are to consider a series of options to provide burials at weekends and on bank holidays - and could even privatise the service.

The push for a seven-day-a-week service has been prompted by fears the Town Hall could be in breach of equality legislation which prohibits discrimination in employment on the grounds of religion or belief. Although the service would be available to everyone, the change is particularly relevant to the Muslim community, members of which are traditionally buried within 24 hours of dying.

The dilemma now for the council is how best to provide the service.

Tonight councillors will consider three options:

  • Providing a same-day burial service on Saturdays and bank holidays (£10,000)
  • Providing a seven-day-a-week service (£100,000)
  • Using an external contractor to provide a burial service at weekends and on public holidays (£750 per burial).

Cemeteries manager Trevor Jackson said: "We never really thought about providing a weekend service, but some asked whether we would consider it.

"It is quite common in many cities. We are trying to improve our service and fill a gap that some people perceive there to be."

City councillor Caroline Van Zyl, executive member for sustainable environment, said: "This is not something the council is obliged to provide, but in meeting the needs of residents, something that is overdue.