RESIDENTS who would like to pay their respects during Remembrance events in Weymouth are being asked to strictly adhere to social distancing measures.

Due to current restrictions on public events relating to the coronavirus pandemic, there will be no formal Remembrance Sunday service on Weymouth seafront this year.

Weymouth Town Council is offering advice and guidance to residents and visitors who would like to pay their respects at the Memorial Cenotaph on Weymouth seafront on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

The council will host a Remembrance Sunday service at the Nothe Fort with veterans and armed forces groups attending. This service will be streamed live on Weymouth Town Council’s Facebook page.

Associations, organisations, or individuals who wish to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph will be able to do so and gates will be open throughout the Remembrance period for people to undertake this and pay their respects.

The Council urges the public to comply with the following guidance while paying their respects:

· Do not gather in groups larger than six people

· Maintain two metres distance from people who you do not live with (or one metre if using a face covering)

· Wash/sanitise your hands regularly and do not touch your face with unclean hands

· Stay at home if you have coronavirus symptoms

If wishing to attend at 11am on Remembrance Sunday or Armistice Day, residents are urged to follow the above advice as this is likely to be the most popular time to attend the Cenotaph. To allow space for all, the Cenotaph will be open throughout the Remembrance period.

Councillor Graham Winter, Mayor of Weymouth Town Council, said: “Once again, we are unfortunately having to make arrangements around the coronavirus pandemic. The Council will make every effort to continue to recognise these important civic commemorations and appreciate the support and cooperation of the public.

"Should local residents or visitors choose to visit the Cenotaph on Weymouth seafront over the Remembrance period to pay their respects, we ask them to respect and protect others by complying with the guidance."