ST HELENS Council has confirmed that it has advised licensed premises over the risks of hosting any large gathering ahead of a funeral taking place on Thursday.

Motorists have been warned of potential traffic delays today when a funeral procession heads through St Helens.

Disruption is expected from around noon, with James Roby Way (formerly St Helens Linkway), Chalon Way and Rainford Road to be affected.

It is understood the funeral is for a member of the Traveller community in St Helens.

A large amount of mourners are expected to gather.

It was reported in the Travellers Times that members of the travelling community were unhappy with the council's guidance to venues, believing it was discriminatory.

A St Helens Borough Council spokesperson said the authority does not have the power to instruct licensed premises to close but had offered "advice" to a small number of establishments about large gatherings.

The council also added that they did not advise venues to close - and asked the Star to clarify an initial report which stated this.

The council said "large gatherings of any kind may increase the risk of breach in respect of the licensing objectives" adding that licence holders "must recognise and implement appropriate risk mitigation when conducting their business".

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It stressed the decision to close rests with the licence holders.

The council spokesperson said: “The council routinely offers advice to licensed premises, upholding its responsibilities as the Licensing Authority and in the interest of the licensing objectives – namely the safety of the public and prevention of crime, disorder and nuisance.

“Large gatherings of any kind may increase the risk of breach in respect of the licensing objectives and licence holders must recognise and implement appropriate risk mitigation when conducting their business.

“A small number of licensed premises were recently contacted with this advice, as it has been suggested that a large wake may be held in September and some premises may have limited experience in hosting large gatherings.

“The council does not have the power to instruct premises to close. Such decisions are the sole responsibility of the premises licence holder.”