CIVIL ceremonies in Powys will be restricted to just the couple and up to 10 guests following government advice.
But Powys council has also warned the new restrictions due to coronavirus, that come in with immediate effect, could be increased and umbers may need to be limited further to the statutory requirement of the couple, registrars and two witnesses in future.
Although the council is limiting the number of guests in the licensed room to ten, the decision whether or not to continue with the wedding reception and other celebrations is at the discretion of the couple and the venue taking into account advice given by the Government.
Alternatively, the couple may prefer to postpone the ceremony until a later date, but still within Powys. The Council would then transfer all payments and support them to find a mutually convenient date and time. This would be subject to the availability of registrars, the venue and also that all legal requirements have been satisfied.
The Council will close its archives and museums from Monday (March 23) until further notice. This will include Powys Archives at Unit 29 Ddole Road, Radnorshire Museum in Llandrindod Wells, and Brecknock Museum galleries at y Gaer in Brecon. Further updates will be provided as soon as possible.
Libraries across Powys remain open for borrowing and computer use at present, with the exception of Crickhowell Library which closes today (March 20). However, all library events and activities are cancelled for the foreseeable future. Borrowers visiting the library are asked to ensure that they observe social distancing and hygiene precautions.
Borrowers are also encouraged take additional books if they are going into self-isolation, which will be automatically renewed if necessary, and there will be no overdue fines. Remote use of e-resources is also encouraged for all reading needs, including e-books, e-audio downloads, magazines and comics.
The Council will continue to consider planning applications during the pandemic, with a temporarily amendment to the protocol suspending the local member right to call-in planning applications with immediate effect. Planning applications will now be considered by the relevant planning officer, rather than The Planning, Taxi Licensing and Rights of Way Committee.