ROYAL Ascot looks set to have an impact on the running of York Crematorium.

But York residents have been assured that cremations will continue to take place throughout the five-day race meeting in June, even though access to the venue may be restricted.

City of York Council officials are currently finalising changes to the crematorium's opening hours, which are designed to deal with anticipated access problems associated with the event at nearby York Racecourse.

The final plans are expected to be published early next week.

Council spokesman Dick Haswell said: "The crematorium is open for cremations Monday to Friday, but the gardens are open seven days a week for people to look at the book of remembrance and pay their respects at the memorial.

"During Royal Ascot we will be able to accommodate those demands, but there might be parts of the day that access is not available to the crematorium.

"However, the crematorium is not going to be closed during Ascot."

Mr Haswell said people will not be forced to use the services of an alternative crematorium

Tony Smith, manager of Co-op Funeral Service in York, said he had not been informed yet of any opening hour changes at the crematorium but, from his experience, June was usually a quiet time for the facility and the impact would probably be minimal.

Access to parts of the city is also set to be disrupted by extra traffic during Royal Ascot week.

The council has published travel information for people visiting Royal Ascot between June 14 and 18, and those moving around the city in that period. Changes include the closure of the outbound lane of Tadcaster Road, towards the A64, at the Moor Lane unction between 9.30am and 2pm.

To prevent the streets in South Bank being used as car parks, the whole area will be closed to everyone but residents, essential visitors and those going to and from businesses in the area between 9am and 6pm.

Between 4pm and 9pm Bishopthorpe Road will be one way into the village between Church Lane and Main Street.

Drivers should use Sim Balk Lane, Church Street and Bishopthorpe Road.

Updated: 09:50 Friday, April 15, 2005