The mayor of Biddulph has urged people not to gather at the town's cenotaph during this year's Remembrance Sunday commemorations due to the risk of Coronavirus.

At a Biddulph town council meeting last week, members discussed how this year's Remembrance commemorations would look during the pandemic.

Last year's Remembrance commemorations, which also marked 75 years since the D-Day landings, included a large procession and gathering at the cenotaph, with many of the town's residents attending.

This year is another significant anniversary, marking 75 years since the end of the Second World War.

However, due to Coronavirus, and as with many other things, Biddulph's Remembrance Sunday will look very different in 2020.

The town council's chief officer, Sarah Haydon, explained the commemorations that would be taking place on Sunday, 8th November.

She said: "The British Legion usually give around 60 wreaths to local organisations, but we can't manage to lay all those around the cenotaph and keep people safe.

"All the people who usually have a wreath will have one, and they will bring them to the town hall by 6th November.

"On the 8th a small group will lay them at the cenotaph and take photographs so people who can't make it will see that.

"On the 8th there won't be road closures or a parade, and we can't have younger people and older people there together.

"A small group will gather for a very short time with a bugler, brief prayers and a minute's silence. It's disappointing, but we are hoping that will mark the event while keeping people safe."

The town's mayor, Cllr John Jones, urged residents not to gather during the small service.

He said: "This is the message loud and clear. I would urge people not to come and gather on Remembrance Sunday.

"By all means go to the cenotaph and pay your respects at some time, but for the period between 10:30 and 11:30 we don't want a gathering to occur as it will not be safe, very sadly. We are just so constrained on what we are allowed to do."

Cllr Jill Salt suggested an alternative way that residents could pay their respects, saying: "There is a social media campaign asking people to stand on their doorsteps and bow their heads at 11.

"I don't think clapping is appropriate, as it will be a minute's silence, but perhaps we could encourage people to open their doors and bow their heads."

Cllr Jones replied: "I think that's an absolutely splendid idea."

Discussions were previously held to lay the wreaths at the footsteps of Biddulph Town Hall, but this idea was dropped due to concerns that it may be too much of a risk of attracting groups of people.

The council also recently confirmed on social media that this year's Christmas lights switch on has been cancelled.

However, Christmas lights will still be present in the town this year, despite the lack of a switch on event.

A local resident asked: "I'm guessing no Christmas light switch on but are we still having lights please?"

To which a council spokesperson replied: "No switch-on, but definitely lights!"