A Gwynedd crematorium has introduced strict social distancing measures at funerals to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Bangor Crematorium, which is run by Gwynedd Council, remains open but measures in place to control the pandemic includes reducing the capacity at services to ensure a two metre gap between mourners.

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “In accordance with government guidelines, anyone attending a funeral service at Bangor Crematorium will be required to sit two meters apart to help prevent the spread of the virus.

“Unfortunately this will significantly restrict the number of people that can sit in the chapel at any one time.

“We will be informing families and funeral directors about this policy when they contact us to make arrangements.

“We understand that this may add to what is already a stressful and upsetting time for people who have lost a loved one, but these arrangements are necessary in order to protect the health of everyone attending the service as well as the council’s staff.

“In addition to these measures, cleaning at all council buildings has been increased with particular attention to key areas such as door handles and toilet facilities.”

On Thursday it was decided to close all the county’s leisure centres, operated by Byw’n Iach, which is an arm’s length company set up by the authority.

The authority has also announced that council business will also be impacted over the coming weeks, with most meetings to be cancelled for an indeterminate period.

This, in order to ensure that social distancing is adhered to, means that any meetings or committees that are not needed to take “key decisions relating to the authority’s business continuity” will be postponed for the time being.

Among the measures already undertaken are the closure of Penygroes, Criccieth and Barmouth libraries as well as Bangor’s Storiel centre and Pwllheli’s Neuadd Dwyfor, with the Lloyd George Museum also not planning to open during Easter as was planned.

Recycling crews have also been instructed not to empty the top box/paper box on their trolley boxes if any tissue is present, for safety reasons, urging residents to place such tissues in bags and into the refuse bins.