A SERIES of events have been cancelled around Harwich and Manningtree due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Harwich RNLI has taken the decision to cancel or postpone its upcoming events in order to safeguard the wellbeing of its volunteers, staff, visitors and supporters.

A Harwich RNLI spokesman said: “We are also unable to offer visits to the lifeboat station, and following updated guidance, the RNLI shop here at Harwich has also had to close for the time being.

“Our priority is to reduce the risk of potential infection to our volunteer crew, ensuring that we can continue saving lives at sea should the pager sound.”

The opening of Galloper Wind Farm’s operations and maintenance base, in Harwich, has also been rescheduled for later in the year.

The event was set to take place on Friday.

A Galloper Wind Farm spokesman said: “In the light of the increase in number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the UK and internationally, and the associated advice being issued in relation to minimising unnecessary travel and social contact, we have made the decision to postpone the event.

“Whilst this is disappointing we feel this is absolutely the right thing to do to maximise the safety of our stakeholders and employees.

“We hope to reschedule the event for later in 2020 and will be in touch accordingly.”

A VE Day street party in Manningtree marking the 75th anniversary of the milestone hosted by Manningtree Town Council has also been aborted.

It was set to take place on May 8.

Michelle Taylor, deputy-mayor of Manningtree, said due to the current climate they had to cancel the event.

She added: “It is with heavy hearts, but we will have to cancel the event, because the welfare of the community is our main priority.

“We hope we can work to reschedule it for next year.”

A concert has also been cancelled.

The Bella Tones accordion group were travelling to Holland on April 3 to take part in the 75th liberation concert, but the event has had to be rescheduled for June.

The Sunshine Fellowship Club, for older people in Harwich, and scouts meetings have also been cancelled until further notice.

Scouts meeting and activities have also drawn to a halt under further notice.