Muslims are today celebrating the long-hoped-for news that West Yorkshire Coroner Roger Whittaker has agreed to provide a weekend service.

A crunch meeting took place yesterday afternoon arranged by Bradford Council's new Chief Executive Ian Stewart at which Mr Whittaker attended along with representatives of Kirklees and Calderdale Councils, the Home Office and the police.

Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph & Argus Mr Stewart said: "There is an agreement in principle to extend the services into the weekend from the police, registrars and the coroner. The Home Office, who regarded the issue as one for local resolution, are content with the proposal."

The announcement follows years of upset and anger from Muslims who, because of their faith, must bury their dead as soon as possible. Many already face delays when their older relatives, dying of natural causes, have requested to be buried overseas and were further distressed by essential official documents not being signed in time to catch flights.

Deputy Council leader Mohammed Ajeeb, who at a public meeting in July called for massive public demonstrations outside the coroner's offices, said he was absolutely delighted.

"That is really very good news. I am extremely grateful to all those who were at this meeting and realised it's a much needed service for a large community in Bradford."

He hoped coroners across the country in areas with large Muslim populations would take West Yorkshire's lead and upgrade their services.

Mr Stewart, who has been working on the sensitive issue since he arrived four months ago, said the "sixty-four million dollar question" was whether the details could be worked out in time for Christmas and the New Year which were expected to bring extra delays from Bank Holidays.

The greatest problem for all the agencies involved was calculating and finding resources for the extra staff and extra hours needed.

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