A KEIGHLEY funeral director is calling for mandatory regulation of the industry to be introduced.

The call comes as police investigations continue into the activities of a Hull company, Legacy Independent Funeral Directors.

Two people are on bail after being arrested on suspicion of prevention of a lawful and decent burial, fraud by false representation and fraud by abuse of position.

As part of their enquiries, police have removed 35 bodies from the firm's premises.

Sam Gallagher – junior funeral director at Gallagher Family Funeral Directors, in Skipton Road – describes the situation as "extremely alarming".

He adds: "As funeral directors committed to the highest standards of professionalism and compassion, we have taken the time to reassure our community that the issues highlighted in the news surrounding this case do not align with our ethos and values.

"We ensure every individual entrusted to our care receives the respect and dignity they deserve.

"Also, we are members of both the National Association of Funeral Directors and the Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors, which means we are inspected regularly and abide by a code of practice. There is an independent oversight of our services and our funeral home can be inspected, without warning, at any time. These comprehensive inspections include a number of checks in our mortuary."

But Mr Gallagher says there is currently no requirement for funeral directors to be a member of a trade association, and no regulation by the Government.

"This needs to change," he says.

"I strongly believe it is now critical more than ever to ensure all funeral homes are held to the same high standards expected of National Association of Funeral Directors and Society of Allied Independent Funeral Directors members. And responsibility for this should not be borne alone by trade associations, but underpinned by Government."

Mr Gallagher has written to Keighley MP Robbie Moore asking him to raise the matter in Parliament.

In his letter, he says: "On behalf of constituents and other funeral directors in our constituency, I strongly call on you to raise this issue in Parliament and put pressure on the Ministry of Justice to review the current voluntary arrangements by making oversight mandatory for all funeral firms.

"I'd like to see all funeral businesses compelled to meet a uniform quality standard."

The Keighley News contacted Mr Moore for a comment, but had received no response at the time of writing.