A battle over burials has broken out in Castlemilk where rival funeral directors are embroiled in a turf war.

Independent undertaker Cameron Duncan, of Castlemilk Funeral Home, is locking horns with corporate giant the Co-op after the firm opened up a new office next door to his premises.

The man in black fears competition from his new neighbour could be a nail in the coffin for his small business.

Mr Duncan has hit out at the Co-op's decision to open up the branch at 51 Dougrie Drive.

But he's vowed to ensure the industry big boy doesn't drive his firm under.

Mr Duncan, 41, set up his firm at 49 Dougrie Drive five years ago.

He said: "I'm just a small trader and to have the biggest funeral company move next door to you is a significant worry.

"It will be a threat to my business - but I won't be pushed out."

He added: "The Co-op has the lions' share of the funeral business in Castlemilk already.

"Why it had to open up another branch is beyond me. They could crush us."

According to the National Association of Funeral Directors, the Co-op operates 22 other funeral homes within a five-mile radius of Dougrie Drive. Four branches are less than two miles away.

Steve Carty, the Co-operative Funeralcare's regional manager says his company has no intention of poaching Mr Duncan's customers.

He said: "The reason we've opened in Castlemilk is because many clients were having to travel to our other branches.

"We just felt we wanted to make our service more convenient for the local community.

"We've serviced the area for many, many years without having a branch there - we won't be stealing Mr Duncan's customers, but we will be offering a more convenient service to our existing clients.

He added: "It was just unfortunate these happened to be the most suitable premises for our needs.

"But there are many other areas where there's more than one funeral director in the vicinity and I believe the market is sustainable."

The Co-operative Funeralcare business is the largest in the UK, with 637 outlets across the country.

They company has invested £50,000 in its new Castlemilk premises, which have been decorated in pastel colours.

A spokeswoman said the modern decor would "bring a more welcoming and uplifting approach to funeral home design".

Mr Duncan said he hoped to stay in business by offering a service tailored to the Castlemilk community.

He said: "My only consolation is that we understand the area and that means we provide a service that's high class but also affordable.

"Many funeral homes ask for deposits of around £800, which is more than many people's life-savings in Castlemilk.

"We only look for a £200 deposit, which is a manageable sum."