Remembrance Day services in Aberystwyth have been cancelled due to new stricter Covid safety rules.

Local authorities and health boards held a meeting on Friday, 9 October and felt it would be unsafe to allow Remembrance Day services to take place due to the increasing number of coronavirus cases in the county.

Plans had been put in place to hold an outdoor service this year at the town’s war memorial, but following Friday’s meeting, Cllr Paul Hinge, Ceredigion’s Armed Forces Champion and the co-ordinator of Remembrance Sunday, said: “Large gatherings, even gatherings of 30 people could cause infection issues so it was with deep regret that following that meeting, Aberystwyth Royal British Legion officers held a meeting on Saturday and seeing the evidence decided that the organised service on Sunday, 8 November (Remembrance Sunday) would not go ahead.

“Similarly, the two minutes’ silence that is observed at Owain Glynd?r Square each year at 11am on 11 November would also not go ahead.”

Mike Nicholson, Aberystwyth branch chairman, said: “We could not in all sincerity go ahead with the service and have it on our conscience if people became ill with Covid-19 following a service we organised.

“The public who come to salute our fallen are normally in their hundreds, which is way in excess of the 30 which is the maximum number that could have attended by law.

“The Aberystwyth branch of the Royal British Legion would like to state that anyone who wishes to lay a wreath, cross or any other suitable tribute on Remembrance Sunday can go along during the day and place their tribute at the war memorial, but please be mindful of other tributes that have already been placed.”

Cllr Hinge added: “It is our intention to light up the war memorial with red lights during Remembrance Week (29 October to 12 November) to show our respect for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“This will be a poignant visual reminder for us to say that we will remember them.”

Poppy sales are also restricted due to coronavirus rules, so two hubs have been set up in Aberystwyth for people to buy their poppies this year.

One will be in the foyer at Tesco and the other inside Morrisons.

Poppy Appeal organiser Samantha Hearne has asked that if members of the public wish to purchase wreaths or crosses to contact her on 07988 222419 or by email on [email protected]

Although no official service will take place, the RBL is asking individuals and businesses to spare just two minutes at 11am on 11 November to stay silent to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.