What Sheffield Council said about Willy Collins funeral rules after social distancing fears

Former bare knuckle boxer Willy Collins, 49, was laid to rest in an elaborate traveller funeral that attracted hundreds of mourners .

Mr Collins, who died suddenly in Spain last month, took one final tour of the streets of Darnall and Pitsmoor in a white carriage, pulled by six horses before being laid to rest in a gold plated coffin at Shiregreen Cemetery.

City comes to standstill for traveller funeral of 'King of Sheffield' PICTURE GALLERY

However some Star readers were concerned over social distancing during the funeral.

One wrote: “Why is this allowed when my grandad’s funeral was two weeks ago and coming from a large family myself some of our family couldn’t attend because of the limit."

Another said: “I'm all for saying goodbye to loved ones but I've had to sit on a video link in lockdown and even now only 30 are allowed to each funeral. I wasn’t aware there had been any update to state otherwise.”

‘King of Sheffield’: Mourners prepare for huge funeral of bare-knuckle boxer Willy Collins

Sheffield City Council’s own rules state a maximum of 25 mourners may attend a funeral,

Mourners must observe social distancing of at least two metres (3 steps) at all times, including when travelling to and from the funeral public toilets will remain closed.

Mourners must arrive at the same time and follow behind the hearse observing social distancing rules .

Current Government guidelines say it is against the law for gatherings of more than 30 people to take place in private homes (including gardens and other outdoor spaces). Businesses and venues following COVID-19 Secure guidelines can host larger groups provided they comply with the law.

This can include weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and funerals (which should be limited to no more than 30 people), religious ceremonies and services, community activities and support groups.

Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said:

“During this private family funeral which took place within one of our cemeteries, our priority was to make sure staff and mourners remained safe. In our efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus and protect all those present, our current policy limits mourners to a maximum of 25 people. We understand that additional mourners attended the service. Under the Covid-19 legislation, neither we as the City Council nor the Police have powers to stop larger gatherings of this type taking place. We did not condone or support this, but we did what we could to ensure the safety of mourners, the local community and staff, including providing public health advice to limit the risk of spread of Covid-19.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: “The Government recommend that when socialising with those outside their household, people should observe social distancing of at least two metres. This recommendation is guidance, and is not enforceable as law. Our officers will however, always advise people to adhere to social distancing and other related guidance in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and keep people safe.”