An Alsager funeral director has called for tighter regulations and inspections after a Hull ex-funeral director was jailed for multiple counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial.

Robert Bush, 48, formerly of Kirk Ella, East Yorkshire, has been sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment for a total of 67 charges, including the prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud, fraudulent trading, and theft.

Joseph Edwards & Sons in Crewe Road, Alsager, which has been run by four generations of the same family, says the actions of one individual do not reflect the values of the many dedicated funeral professionals who work tirelessly to serve their communities with integrity.

And they have demanded more robust regulations and inspections in the profession to ensure families have 'greater confidence' and 'more peace of mind'.

Joseph Edwards & Sons have been arranging and conducting funerals in the local community for over 130 years. The family owned business is in the hands of the fourth generation of the Edwards family that started the business in 1882.

Managing director of Joseph Edwards & Sons, Andrew Edwards, said: "The shocking events reported in Hull have been deeply distressing, no more so than for the families directly affected and for everyone who places their confidence in the funeral profession.

"The actions of one individual do not reflect the values of the many dedicated funeral professionals who work tirelessly to serve their communities with integrity.

"For many years we have called for change and we welcome and demand more robust regulations and inspections to give families greater confidence and more peace of mind.

"Every person placed into our care is treated with dignity, compassion and the respect that we would wish for our own family.

"Every detail matters and every family is supported with honesty, professionalism and genuine care.

"When choosing a funeral director, we would always encourage families to look for membership of a recognised professional association.

"Joseph Edwards & Sons is proud to have been one of the founder members of SAIF (the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors), demonstrating our long-standing commitment to the highest standards of care, professionalism and ethical practice.

"To every family who has allowed us to care for a loved one, thank you. It is a privilege we never take for granted. Dignity, compassion and respect."

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