A council u-turn reinstating a large wooden cross at Accrington Crematorium has been hailed as a ‘victory for common sense’.

Hyndburn council leader Coun Miles Parkinson confirmed that the original cross, which has been at Accrington Crematorium for 60 years, is to be put back in its rightful place after it was removed during a recent £17,000 refurbishment.

The removal of the cross had provoked public outrage last week after council chiefs said they were following general guidance that crematoria should be non-denominational, and offer the flexibility to make all families feel welcome ‘whatever their beliefs’.

Reverend John S. Holland, Area Dean of Accrington, welcomed the decision.

He said: “It’s caused upset right across Accrington, even from atheists, and we are not aware that anybody has been offended by the cross.

“I can’t think of anywhere local that is free of symbolism, including other local crematoria. It’s been a storm in a teacup responding to an situation that didn’t exist.”

The original large wooden cross was set to replaced by a smaller, more unobtrusive cross on the altar.

Rev Holland said that had the chapel not been redecorated, the cross would never have been removed.

The cross will now be placed back on the wall but with curtains in place to allow it to be covered for services at the request of individual families.

Coun Parkinson said that this was the ‘best option available’ to provide for those of faith or no faith.

He said: “Whilst I understand what they were trying to achieve in having the old cross removed during the recent refurbishment, I think it’s important that the council always listens to public opinion and for this reason I have asked for the original cross to be reinstalled.”

Oswaldtwistle councillor Peter Britcliffe is also delighted at the change of heart.

He said: “I am pleased that they have bowed to my demand on Friday that the original wooden cross should be restored.

“It is a victory for common sense and the traditional values of the majority of people living in the borough.”

Residents welcomed the news that the cross would be restored.

Writing on the Observer’s Facebook page Lauraine McAnenny said: “Yes, yes, yes. At last common sense prevails. Nice to see that for once someone was listening to Joe public.”