Council to restrict numbers at civil ceremonies

If you're getting married in a civil ceremony in Newtown you'll be restricted on the number of people who can attend.

Libraries will remain open, but events at them will stop.

The number of people attending civil ceremonies in Powys will be restricted following government advice, Powys County Council has confirmed.
 
Ceremonies will be restricted to the couple, registrars and up to ten guests with immediate effect, but the council is warning that the numbers 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 festivities 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," said a council statement.
 
The Council will close its archives and museums from Monday until further notice. Further updates will be provided as soon as possible.
 
Libraries across Powys remain open for borrowing and computer use at present.

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's 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.