A NEW service will take care of grieving Gwent pet lovers' dearly departed four-legged friends.

Planners at Torfaen council approved plans for a new pet crematorium on a site at Pontnewynydd Industrial Estate, near Pontypool.

Newbrige businessman Phillip Hayman, who is setting up the crematorium with partner Dave Stephenson, has promised an all-round sensitive service.

It offers collection of the pet's body and a choice of commemorative urns, or memorabilia.

"This is a much-needed service for the area. The only other crematoria in south east Wales are in Magor and Bridgend," said the 43-year-old dad of one, from Pant Road.

But not everyone is happy about the development - despite assurances from Mr Hayman that the incinerator unit at the crematorium will be "odourless and smokeless".

More than 100 residents in nearby Wainfelin signed a petition opposing the development.

They say they are not convinced by assurances there will be no smoke nor smell.

Spokesman Adrian Newman, 63, of Elled Road, said: "We feel a facility like this should be in the country, not near houses.

"They say it's not going to be a nuisance but what if it turns out to be one? "There's already a bus depot next door to the site, and the wind carries the fumes to us. We are just concerned about getting even more problems."

But Mr Hayman told the Argus the equipment at Morph Animal Cremation Services, which is due to open in June, was Defra approved.

"There are extremely strict guidelines to protect the environment," he said. He said: "At the moment, people often have to call on the vet and then take their pet's body there, which can all be upsetting.

"We offer a swift collection service and people can either choose to keep the ashes, or we will deal with their disposal."

Councillor Joyce Gregory, a local councillor and member of Torfaen's planning committee, said: "This will be one of the cleanest units on the estate. All the equipment is approved and it will be providing a much-needed service."

A report to the planning committee said the crematorium did not need a permit under the Pollution, Prevention and Control Act 1999 due to a "low burn rate".

The report also says statutory nuisance powers could be used to deal with any odour, smoke or noise complaints.

The only other Gwent pet crematorium is Summerleaze, in Redwick, near Magor.

Morph Animal Cremation Services is fitted with the latest 850 degree incinerating chamber, with a capacity of 50kg per hour - or one large dog. This is 200 times smaller in capacity and emissions than a human cremator.

It has been granted approvals from the state vet and Welsh Assembly and is currently awaiting a licence from the environment agency.