A "SMALL minority" of visitors to West Cheshire cemeteries are not adhering to social distancing rules, the council has said.

Cemeteries remain open for people to tend the graves of loved ones during the coronavirus lockdown – but unfortunately not everyone is sticking to the Government guidelines.

As a result, Cheshire West and Chester Council is appealing to all visitors to make sure they follow social distancing rules in order to keep everyone safe.

Frontline council teams are continuing to work in cemeteries during the lockdown and have changed their practices to follow the current guidelines on social distancing during their daily duties.

The council is urging visitors to observe social distancing when talking to staff, avoid touching surfaces and to wash their hands when they return home.

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, said: "The vast majority of people are keeping to these rules to protect others, but we hear a small minority aren't observing the processes in place to keep people safe.

"We can provide reassurance that our own staff are following public health guidance, by adhering to social distancing guidelines wherever possible and putting in place appropriate measures to safeguard people’s health and wellbeing.

"We remind the public to also follow social distancing rules. We are still getting used to this situation and we are asking people to please play your part to keep yourselves and others safe."