CIVIC funerals and baby-naming services can now be held in the council chamber at Garth House.

The move comes after a successful trial in January when a service took place at the civic mansion in Launton Road for about 40 mourners.

Town councillors decided last Wednesday that Garth House could become a permanent venue for civic funerals and other ceremonies.

The cost of hiring the chamber would be £100 Darren Hancock, of DL Hancock Funeral Directors, North Street, organised the first civic funeral at the Garth, which also houses the town council offices.

He said: “In Bciester is traditional for funeral services to be in a church, some other religious building or a service at the crematorium.

“In this day and age more and more people wantg to have non-religious services – so then what do you do?

“It’s easy if the family want a non- religious service and a cremation, but where do you go if a family want a non- religious service and a burial?

“You can have a civil service wherever there is a big enough place.”

Debbie Pickford, chairman of the policy committee, said: “If people don’t want a church service or cremation it’s another option we can offer the public.”

Miss Pickford said the chamber could also be used for naming ceremonies for babies or other civic services.

For more information call Bicester Town Council on 01869 252915.