Crematorium removes cross so it doesn't upset other faiths The council says it is not to upset people of all faiths but I've talked to Hindus, Muslims and Jews and none of them have ever complained. They all respect the cross as a symbol of the Christian faith. Some of us feel very strongly that this is a deliberate attempt by the council to downplay our Christian heritage and that we should make our views known. Bath and North East Somerset Council announced the changes to the crematorium as part of a £140,000 overhaul of the crematorium and cemetery. The refurbishment, which has not yet been finished, is the biggest improvement to the facilities since the chapel opened in 1961. The window, which features the 4ft white cross and offers stunning views across the Bath countryside, will be replaced with a plain pane. Staff have been told they will be given a mobile cross which can be put up or taken down, depending on the religious beliefs of those using the crematorium. But angry campaigners have already amassed more than 100 signatures against the plans. Edgar Evans, 79, from Bath, a retired patients advocate for the NHS, said: "The window and cross provides comfort for mourners that look at it. It just seems that it is another attack on our Christian culture - while claiming they want to refurbish the existing facilities. I believe in prayers before council meetings and I believe we should have the cross at the centre of our war memorials for those who gave their lives. We remain a Christian country but this is an example of creeping secularisation. The petition, which will be presented to Bath and North East Somerset Council chief executive John Everitt, calls for a new, similar cross to be installed in the window. Council bosses stressed that the decision to remove the cross had been taken after consultation with funeral directors and local clergy. A spokesman maintained Haycombe should be a setting suitable for people of all faiths and religious beliefs. He said: "Following consultation with local funeral directors, ministers and taking into account our own feedback from customers, the consensus was that the chapel should be a setting where all faiths, including those who are not religious at all, can adapt the surroundings to suit the wishes of their loved ones. In line with this consensus, the replacement window will be plain. The council's bereavement services team will discuss with all families and funeral directors ways to provide a suitable environment for any service. This could include providing removable crosses or any other symbol that a family feel is appropriate.