Town Mayor Loraine De Simone said “We appreciate that this news will be disappointing but the safety and welfare of our residents and visitors has to be our priority during this crucial time.”

This sentiment is echoed by the Cramlington branch of the Royal British Legion who stated “Under current restrictions we have to think differently about our Remembrance. To that end we will not be involved in any formal acts of Remembrance. As a branch we need to ensure the safety of our members and to the public in general.”

Northumberland County Council have confirmed that they will not be hosting their own annual service and that they are unable to allow events to take place on council land and will not be authorising road closures for any events in the county.

Cramlington Town Council appreciates that organisations may still want to lay poppy wreaths at the War Memorial between November 8 and November 11 but social distancing regulations must be followed including no gatherings of more than six people at any one time. The council asks that people do not gather at the key times of 11am on the 8th or the 11th, but instead pay their respects at other times and that they must adhere to distancing regulations.

Residents and veterans are asked to ‘remember from home’ and this can be done in a variety of ways.

People can observe the national two-minute silence and tune in to broadcasts on television and radio at 11am.

People are also invited to join in the national campaign of displaying a poppy poster in their windows and residents are encouraged to use the hashtag #CramlingtonRemembers on social media, showing the ways they have paid their respects at home or at school.

Mayor Loraine said “We are in unprecedented times and have never had to consider altering our acts of Remembrance before. We can still honour the fallen and those that have served but we must adapt to the current circumstances and do so in a safe way to protect all of our residents and veterans.”