COUNCIL leisure facilities will close on Saturday as a mark of respect to Diana, Princess of Wales.

Facilities affected include all sports centres, swimming baths, markets, country park golf and visitor centres, libraries, Wigan Pier and the History Shop.

Members of the public are advised to contact individual venues for specific details, including Leigh Market Hall.

But care facilities such as day centres, the cemeteries, crematorium service, registrar service and wedding venues will remain in operation. And essential public health or emergency services will be unaffected.

Any staff working will be asked to observe a two minute silence if one is agreed nationally.

Wherever practicable, facilities will re-open in the afternoon following the funeral.

A council spokesman said: "In line with most places we will suspend all our commercial and recreational leisure facilities on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect.

"I am sure people will understand the reasons for this course of action."

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