I RECENTLY attempted to attend a funeral at Overdale West Chapel.

I say "attempted", as, due to the massive amount of people present, unfortunately I was not able to enter the Chapel and hear the service.

I spoke to an official who was present, and asked whether the service would be relayed via speakers, to which I was told this was not possible as it contravenes the Health and Safety Act with regard to outside wiring on the speakers.

I was then told that I may as well walk round to the other side of the Chapel in order to look at the flowers and see the family members as they left the Chapel. I was not alone in my act, and I stood outside for half an hour with at least 200 other people. Surely, in this day and age, something must be able to be done in order that those wishing to pay their last respects to a loved one may do so. I feel very sad and disillusioned that I was not able to say my last goodbye to a very special lady.

I would be interested to know how many the Chapel does hold as, in this case, I am sure there were more people outside than in. By not relaying the service on speakers, I and many others left the crematorium feeling extremely sad.

(Name and address supplied)