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Work to link a Worcestershire crematorium to a new swimming pool is due to begin.

The controversial project will use heat from Redditch crematorium to warm the pool at Abbey Stadium Leisure Centre.

Redditch councillors said it would save more than £14,000 a year and building work would take up to five weeks.

The pipes will run under the road through the cemetery and will not affect any of the graves, according to Redditch Borough Council.

The council's portfolio holder for local environment Brandon Clayton said: "This is a vital part of making this innovative new way to save energy work.

"But we understand that any work taking place in the cemetery has to be treated sensitively."

Plans for the project were approved in February and it has since won a national award from the Green Organisation.

The plans had been attacked by Unison when they were first announced. The union said the proposals were "sick and an insult to local residents".